There was a welcome return to the contest scene for the Stretford Band at the Whit Friday contests this year.

Support

And whilst the band couldn’t quite match the success of many of the Whit Friday veterans, that didn’t matter as they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in front of supportive crowds at each of the venues on the Saddleworth circuit.

Never forget

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We had great fun spurred on by the rapturous applause from the thousands of people that lined the streets and contest grounds. It was truly an evening the band will never forget!"

Musical Director Nick Garbett as also delighted and praised his band for the way they played — from their debut at Grotton, through Lydgate, Greenfield and the big one at Delph.

Thanks

He told 4BR: "Given that the whole Whit Friday experience was a totally unknown quantity to many of our regular players, the band settled in very well. But we also have to thank our delightful deps who filled vacant seats and covered for members unable to come with us on the day."

If there was a special award for sheer tenacity and dogged determination though, it went to euphonium player Ruben Perez.

Cyclist

He had told the band that work problems meant that he could not make the event, so you can imagine their surprise when they had the surprise of their lives as they pulled into Delph to play, as MD Nick Garbett explained.

"At the rehearsal the night before, Ruben had explained that, despite his heartfelt pleading, he would have to work until 7.00pm, meaning that he couldn’t be at the bandroom when the coach left at 4.00pm. Sadly, we would have to do without him.

Fortunately, we had brought his euphonium so he was able to join us for our last appearance of the night sporting his full band uniform and a pair of cycling trainers!Stretford Band

Surprise

He added: "However, imagine our surprise when, stuck in a long queue of coaches at 11.00pm at Delph, we heard a knock on the coach door and Ruben appeared — having cycled all the way from Stretford, visiting numerous villages on the way to catch us up!

Fortunately, we had brought his euphonium so he was able to join us for our last appearance of the night sporting his full band uniform and a pair of cycling trainers!"