*
banner

Wet Friday

Forget Whit Friday, this year's contests will be remembered as Wet Friday.

whit friday
 

Friday 5th June 2009 will be remembered by anybody who was on the Whit Friday circuit for one simple reason — the British weather.

Rain, rain and more rain

After a glorious morning for the Whit Walks, the rain started around 3.30pm and it never stopped. At times, it was heavy, others torrential, but it never dampened anybody's spirits.

Bull dog spirit

The competing bands simply accepted it wasn't going to be a good night weather wise and got on with it with a reall stiff upper lip and true British style determination.

a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as thisRichard Evans

In praise of bands

The contest organisers have been quick to praise the bands though congratulating them for their determination to stay out on the circuit and compete. One contest secretary told 4br that she had to send her husband home to get her a change of clothes but she described the commitment of the bands as 'unbelievable'.

It was bad

In terms of when Whit Friday last suffered hurrendous weather, some would suggest around 1972, but a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as this'.

Results updated

The results are coming in though so keep logging on to find who won what and where and 4br will look back on the wettest Whit Friday in living memory next week.

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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd