Whit Friday Marches

Highlights from Delph March Contest 2004
Various Bands
Doyen: DOYCD177

~ Buy with 4barsrest shopping

The idea by the Delph Whit Friday organisers to produce a CD of highlights of the annual contest in 2003 proved to be an overwhelming success.  As a result, this live recording from the 2004 contest, appears under the Doyen label, which is certainly more than a compliment, not just to Delph, but to all of the contests that take place in and around Saddleworth and Tameside, on what is arguably, the fullest and best day (and night) of banding anywhere in the world.

The nature of the event means that any band from any section can turn up and play, and this recording brings sixteen performances from right across the banding spectrum.  Whether you have experienced Whit Friday or not before, the inclusion of some of the more non-traditional contesting marches, makes this a disc that is worth every penny.

Brighouse & Rastrick, Fodens Richardson and Hepworth (Persimmon Homes) fly the flag for Championship section bands.  Whit Friday wouldn't be the event it is without the likes of Brighouse and bands playing late into the night.  B & R give a strong (but not a winning) performance of 'Ravenswood', and with Senior Trophy and Pontins winners winners, Staffordshire, also performing the Rimmer march, you can judge for yourselves, which you prefer.

The overall winners on the night were Fodens Richardson under Steve Bastable.  It was gone midnight when Fodens arrived set foot into the famous Delph arena, having taken everything before them in Tameside to become their overall Champions.  Listen why, in 'The President', as the Sandbach-based band, won with a watertight performance of the Edward German march.

Hepworth is a band that has made a real mark in 2004, and whilst Fodens beat them to the title in Delph, Mark Bentham's performance of 'The Wizard' certainly helped them to become overall Saddleworth Champions, with a fine rendition of George Allen's march.

For as long as anyone can remember, The Navigation Inn, in Dobcross has been the public house every lover of brass bands wants to visit.  The place is covered with memorabilia, and on Whit Friday, a band of players who are a mix of retired 'stars' and players from other bands who are not out on the night, form a band, for fun, friendship and in the hope of raising a bit of money for a well deserving charity. 

Under the banner of Cartax Navigation this year, the march 'Senator' met with plenty of approval, and you can listen with pleasure and interest to Brian Evans on soprano making his fiftieth consecutive appearance on Whit Friday, and listen out for Peter Roberts, also on soprano, but playing in the front row!  Great march with some great playing from the essembled established personnel.

Honest Toil, Mephistopheles and ORB are all favourites heard on the night, and this recording features performances from Old Silkstone, Dobcross Silver and Delph respectively, and it is a great joy to hear the old stomper, 'Roll Away Bet', performed here by Barnsley Building Society.  In addition, marches not heard as often on recordings or concerts as they should be 'Pendragon' and 'Bramwyn' are delivered by Audley and YBS Concert Brass.

Youth Banding is an integral part of the night, and Townley High School is full of spirit in John White's 'Howitzer', whilst there is a delightful bit of soprano playing from Steffan Maddock from Shirland Training Band under Marie Smith.  Shirland play, 'Army of the Nile', and the obligato solo from this young man certainly stands out: one playing star for the future we think. 

It is rare to hear a Dean Goffin march on the night, but this recording features Salvo Brass in 'The Red Shield', but for the traditionalist, you can enjoy TJ Powell's 'The Contestor' (Carlton Brass) and 'Viva Birkinshaw' from Lindley Band under Geoff Whitham.

This outside broadcast recording is a credit to everybody involved from the bands involved, the production team and Doyen themselves.  Not only does it capture the magical atmosphere of Whit Friday, but also it is seventy-five minutes of great marches that will appeal to many.

Malcolm Wood

~ Buy with 4barsrest shopping

^back to top