Whit Friday Marches

Highlights from the Delph Whit Friday March Contest 2007
Various Bands
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD236
Total Playing Time: 79.51

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Can there by any occasion in the brass banding calendar to equal the joys, trials and tribulations that are the Whit Friday march contests? 

For many it is something approaching a pilgrimage, for others, nothing more than a chance to have a daylong bout of boozing. Thankfully, the Whit Friday contests in Tameside and Saddleworth still retain enough of their original intention and purpose to still be a relevant community based religious celebration, thanks in part to people like Bob and Mary Rogers amongst many others, who keep the tradition going. 

Times and attitudes change of course, but it would be a sad day if all the occasion is remembered for is the March Contest and nothing more.

Delph has become perhaps the epicentre of the contesting day – a ‘must see and hear’ venue that has been going strong since 1946 (it is by no means the oldest contest) and this year saw 78 bands compete. Why Delph has become the dominant venue is unclear, but there is little doubt that come the end of the night, there is only one place to be to listen to bands way into the small hours of the morning. There is certainly something special about being packed in to hear the ‘big boys’ such as Dyke, Fodens or Brighouse give it one last lash off the number 76 draw!

It also makes for a rather unique atmosphere too – sometimes a touch boisterous and overwhelming, sometimes a touch unsporting – but always uplifting and enjoyable.  This is contesting in the raw – come rain or shine.

This release from Doyen is also a raw and enjoyable experience too, although the quality of the recording is amazingly good considering the circumstances. What you can enjoy is 18 performances of 18 different marches, from the pens of the great, the good, the modern and the obscure. That takes some beating.

The ‘big boys’ are of course represented by Black Dyke (the eventual winners this year), Marsden (Ossett Brewery) who were runners up, Fodens Richardson (3rd) and Rothwell (4th).  Local winners Mossley are also featured as are the two best non championship bands Lindley and Robert’s Bakery.

The international appeal of the contest means that there is also the appearance of Alexander Brass from Norway and the MG Root Band from Switzerland, whilst the ‘scratch bands’ who raise fantastic amounts for their chosen charities are also highlighted too, with the great girls from ‘Boobs & Brass’ showing off their wares.

The playing is variable of course – playing late at night with cold instruments to the lips (and the possible effects of the odd bit of libation) can account for the odd slip or two, but it is great to hear some superbly committed playing, as well as some unfamiliar marches too.

Dyke of course bring a rousing ‘Knight Templar’ to the proceedings, whilst Foden’s crack through ‘The President’. But you can also enjoy Philip Sparke’s new march for the Norwegians entitled ‘The Conqueror’ as well as the less well known ‘Through Bolts and Bars’ by Ernest Urbach, ‘The Gay Hussar’ by TJ Powell, ‘Marignan’ by H. Daetwyler or ‘Glemdene’ by John Carr – all little crackers.

Delph remains a fantastic event to experience, and congratulations go to Bob and Mary Rogers for their continued sterling work. They are of course not alone, and they receive fantastic help here on the day, whilst there are whole legions of others throughout both Whit Friday circuits that are heroes to the cause too. Long may it continue.

Iwan Fox

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