There will certainly be an air of sadness at this year's Whit Friday contest in Mossley, as the contest remembers one of its most dedicated volunteers, Stanley Ashworth.

65 years

Stanley, who died earlier this year aged 82, carried the band boards at Mossley’s contest for a staggering 65 years.

He never missed a Whit Friday contest and was a familiar figure to players and spectators alike; always impeccably dressed in his suit and white gloves, a dapper bow tie and red rose in his breast pocket.

The respected gentleman, who had a great love for brass bands, started carrying the board displaying the name of the band and the march they would play, as a teenager, and Whit Friday quickly became his favourite day of the year.

Respect

As a mark of respect, before the contest gets underway on the market ground at 4.30pm this year, Mossley Band led by Duncan Byers will lead a musical tribute to one of the contest's stalwart foot soldiers.

A spokesperson for the contest told 4BR about the impact he had on the town and the day itself:

"It's impossible to put into words Stanley's contribution to the Whit Friday competition in Mossley".

The contest in the Lancashire town dates back to 1884 and Stanley's involvement came about courtesy of his father.

"Apparently, someone asked his dad if he would carry the board and was told that Stanley would do it: It just went from there. He did it for every band, every year."

Twelve months ago, the stalwart (pictured above) was seen on Whit Friday being pushed in a wheelchair to make sure he didn't miss the most important day of his musical year.

Regard

Stanley was held in such high regard that brass players from as far afield as Stoke travelled to play at his funeral and to pay tribute to the former cotton mill labourer, who died in March.

The musicians marched ahead of the hearse to Dukinfield Crematorium, performing ‘Danny Boy’.

Dressed in his suit with white gloves, a dapper bow tie and a red rose in his breast pocket, Stanley Ashworth led the bands to the contest arena in Mossley for 65 years4BR

Live on

As a lasting tribute, Stanley's contribution will be remembered in the years to come with the presentation of the Stanley Ashworth trophy to the highest placed local band at the contest.