There will be a fine remembrance of a stalwart volunteer at the Mossley Whit Friday Contest (June 2nd) this year.

The organisers have not only increased the total prize money fund to over £4,500 but have also added a new trophy in honour of Paul Harrison who for over 30 years organised the event.

New initiative

It is also linked to a new initiative that 4BR was told was aimed at enticing Championship Section bands to compete on both the Tameside and Saddleworth circuits.

Contest organiser Chris Hey told 4BR: "Paul was a remarkable brass band lover and volunteer who did so much for our football club, the Whit Friday contest and the North West Regional Championships.

We were all so saddened at his death last year and we feel this was a best way to celebrate his contribution to the event."

Memorial Trophy

The 'Paul Harrison Memorial Trophy' and £1,000 prize open to all Championship Bands who play at two contests in both Saddleworth and Tameside.

If a Championship Section band competes in two events on each circuit and wins the top prize of £1,200 that is on offer in Mossley, it will be boosted by another £1,000 — giving a potential total first prize of £2,200.

We were all so saddened at his death last year and we feel this was a best way to celebrate his contribution to the eventChris Hey

Welcome

Chris added: "We want to see the very best bands compete at our event, and we think this will be an extra incentive for them. We think Paul would have enjoyed it all — and we look forward to welcoming as many bands to the event as possible.

All this and we also have a bespoke bandsperson's bar that will offer drinks and sandwiches and because of our new football club floodlights, registration is open to 11.00pm."

The contest starts at 5.00 pm with registration from 4.00pm