As part of their recent successful Arts Council England 'Covid 19' funding award Foden's have announced that they are to hold a 'virtual' Whit Friday competition of their own.

It follows the success of their on-line Festival & Slow Melody competition, and will see bands and ensembles provide their own self-isolated march entries via Facebook that can then be viewed on the Foden's Facebook page.

Open across the world

Being inspired by the Whit Friday tradition it's hoped that everyone across the banding globe — from scratch ensembles and youth bands to the elite level competitors, will enter into the appropriate 'spirit' of the event with their 'Stay at Home' contributions which will be adjudicated by Foden's MD, Michael Fowles.

Entries can be published on-line from 21st May until the closing date of midnight on 5th June with the top three podium prize winners (covering all sections) announced shortly after.

Rules

The rules are very simple -

A standard style march (with DC) to be performed.

The performance must be a true 'stay at home' production with no unnecessary edits/effects being utilised. A previously recorded audio product cannot be used in anyway.

The submissions can be as creative as you wish but must show the players performing separately.

The 'order of play' will be determined on a first come first served basis, with performances being uploaded for viewing on Facebook from 21st May 2020.

Percussion is optional

We hope people will enter into the true spirit of the Whit Friday tradition of celebratory communal music making and take the 'rules' to heartFoden's Band

True spirit

Speaking about the innovative initiative from the north-west regional champion, Darren Lea told 4BR: "We're thrilled to be able to give bands an opportunity to continue to perform in this way.

We hope people will enter into the true spirit of the Whit Friday tradition of celebratory communal music making and take the 'rules' to heart."

He added: "We're especially looking forward to enjoying performances from bands that are normally unable to compete due to their location. Whit Friday is the greatest free show on earth in the banding world, so why not be a part of it."

Register

To register please e-mail at: darren@fodensband.co.uk

You will then be issued with details of how to submit your performance.