*
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    


Howard Snell

Eikanger to honour Snell

August 20 • A 40 year association build on musical friendship will be celebrated in Bergen next month as Eikanger Bjorsvik honours Howard Snell.


jENA

Basic skills help players flourish in Germany

August 20 • Over 50 players of different abilities have benefitted from attending the seventh International Summer Brass Band Camp (ISBBC), organised by the Jena Brass Band Competence Centre.


Carousel

Carousel additions to enjoy...

August 19 • 4BR has added a new sextet of products to its homepage Carousel — so you can just click and find out more, direct from the seller.


wright and round

Wright & Round: The Circle of Life (Elton John & Tim Rice arr. Philip Harper)

August 19 • One of the great Disney songs brought to 'life' by Philip Harper.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd