4BR has been informed that a new method of calculating the overall prizes will be used at this year's Saddleworth & Oldham Whit Friday Contests.

Median Value

A 'Median Value' method will be used to calculate the overall positions of the bands who play in at least six contests.

According to the information given on its website, the traditional method of calculating the mean total of placings of the best six contests appearances of a band has been replaced. A median value (the middle value in a set of six results) will now be used.

For example: If a band posts six results of: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th and 10th then the middle two positions (4 and 6) are used. However, it is important to note that these individual positions are in themselves weighted — see below.

The median is then calculated as: (4+6) divided by 2 = 5

Median not mean value

According to the organiser website: "The position of bands (not scores) at each contest is used for the calculation. From 2025 onwards there will be a new way of calculating the above prizes, using a median value, not a mean, and the results will first be weighted to allow for the different sizes of each contest.

This change has been agreed by the Area Group, and consultation has been made with eminent statisticians to ensure greater fairness and inclusion."

More information:

Go to: https://saddleworthwhitfriday.co.uk/area-prizes/

Overall Prizes:

First Prize: £2,500
Runner-up: £1,000
Third Prize: £750

Best Local Band: £750
Runner-Up: £600
Third Prize: £400

Youth Championship Prize: £250