*
banner

Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday contests cancelled

The understandable decision has been made to cancel the 2021 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday band contests.

Whit Friday
  No Whit start either in 2021 in Saddleworth & Oldham District

It has been confirmed that the 2021 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday band contests have been cancelled.

Considerations over the ongoing legal restrictions, regulations and guidelines that would directly affect both performers and the general public have formed the basis of the immensely difficult decision taken by the organisers to cancel the events which were to have taken place on Friday 28th May.

Statement

A statement given to 4BR from Bob Rodgers, Chair of Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday outlined the reasons.

"It is with great regret that the Saddleworth and Oldham Group of Whit Friday Band Contests, with the backing of Oldham Council Officers, have taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 event on 28th May.

Having taken into account the current and projected situation regarding Covid19, they are of the opinion that it would be irresponsible to stage this year's contests.

Vaccine protection will not be complete and an organised gathering of people, whilst in various stage of protection, would be considered foolhardy and dangerous.

We must support all the emergency services that have enough problems without our event adding to the extra burden."

We must support all the emergency services that have enough problems without our event adding to the extra burdenSaddleworth and Oldham Group of Whit Friday Band Contests

Covid-19 safe

The statement added: "We have also taken into consideration the fact that bands will have had little or no chance to rehearse and to travel in a 'Covid safe' manner would be impossible.

It was never anticipated this pandemic would last so long, but hopefully we can get back to something like normality in time for 10th June 2022."

No decision has yet been taken by the Tameside & District organisers.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


James Chamberlain

BMus (Hons) PGCE
Conductor, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd