Bands of all levels and abilities -some looking for a serious financial boost to the coffers and others simply out to enjoy themselves, will be heading to the villages of Tameside and Saddleworth today for the annual Whit Friday series of contests.

Focus of attention

Although the original Whit Friday 'Walks' of the first Friday after Pentecost are still celebrated in many of the villages of the area, it is the banding marches and competitions that now hold the focus of attention of brass banders.

The sense of communal inclusivity though is still to be found amid the keenly fought competition though with a recent competition run by Mossley AFC emphasising the links between their event at Seel Park and the local community.

Whit Friday meaning

Local schools and groups were invited to enter, with children asked to create an image of what Whit Friday means to them.

Nicky Iqbal, events co-ordinator at Mossley AFC, told the local 'The Correspondent' newspaper: "The aim was to engage the community and keep alive the traditions and spirit of Whit Friday in the next generation.

We were overwhelmed at the quality of the entries and everyone captured the true feeling of Whit Friday."

The aim was to engage the community and keep alive the traditions and spirit of Whit Friday in the next generationNicky Iqbal, events co-ordinator at Mossley AFC

Four age categories

Youngsters aged from 6 to 10 took part in four different age categories, with the winners getting their picture printed in the Whit Friday programme as well as receiving tickets to watch a league game of their choosing next season at the club.

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