The weekly newspaper within Tameside which hosts the Whit Friday marches, The Advertiser, has reported on 15th March that Tameside Council has been forced to cut the funding given to the annual competition.

Private sponsors

Budget cuts which are effecting Councils throughout the UK means that Tameside Council has been forced to withdraw around £9,500 which supports the event.

This year's contest which is on Friday June 1st looks safe however as the newspaper reports that private sponsorship has been secured although around £2,000 is still needed.

Private sponsorship has been found for this year but £2,000 is still needed to meet the support that has been given by Tameside Council annually in recent years4BR

Speaking on behalf on Tameside Council to the Advertiser, their Deputy Leader, Councillor John Taylor is quoted as saying "There is now a committee called the Tameside Brass Band Committee which covers the whole of Tameside. All 11 venues have got together and they are going to put a 'You Choose' bid in for £2,000. If they get that then we're home and dry".

Grants

Councillor Taylor reveals in the article that the annual event was the biggest supported with Tameside last year and that they will apply for funding next year.

"Next year we will be able to apply for grants from National organisations but because this year's contest is upon us now we didn't have time. I am absolutely confident that local organisations will support us and that it will continue".

Running costs

A huge chunk of the council cash is normally used for prize money with the rest paying for running costs such as advertising and road closures.

Voting

The bid to 'You Choose' — a council cashpot shared out amongst community groups will be decided by a public vote on 12th May.