Whit Friday
   Uppermill Band on the march...winners of this years Around Saddleworth & Tameside trophy at the Uppermill contest.
WHIT FRIDAY 2019 REVIEW - Saddleworth & Oldham District
Mixed weather at the start of the day resulted in an overall pleasant day for everyone who came out to enjoy the Whit Friday celebrations. Following the annual church walks to Uppermill, the evening once again became a theatre of passion and musical excellence as the stage was set for this years band contests.
Once again Brighouse & Rastrick adorned the honours board as they secured their fourth consecutive overall title success.The Yorkshire champions secured six victories at Delph, Dobcross, Greenfifield, Grotton, Lees & Springhead and Lydgate. In second came were Oldham Band (Lees) and Fairey, with Leyland, Hepworth and the popular scratch band, Chav Brass making up remaining top six places.
In the Local Championship battle it was Milnrow led by Dennis Hadfifield who produced excellent performances of ‘Mephistopheles’ to take the title, as they edged out Marsden Silver who had to be content with runners up.There was great delight though for Uppermill with the band gaining a fifinancial boost of an extra £400 ahead of the National Finals at Cheltenham in September by coming third.
The Youth championship eventually went to Wardle Academy who can now add this title to the current European, Brass in Concert and National Youth Championship titles.The band, along with the youngster of Wardle Junior Blast, received rapturous ovations wherever they played throughout the evening.
There was a warm welcome offered to the contingent of overseas bands, including the Icelanders of Brass Band Reyjavik, the Swedes of Lund University and the Canadians of Weston Silver. It was wonderful to see all of them also take part in the traditional Whit Walks before competing in the contests.
This year, the Around Saddleworth & Tameside Magazine were once again proud to present their trophy at the Uppermill contest, as well as a cash prize, for ‘The Best Deportment Prize For The Best Local Band (within an 8 mile radius)’.The trophy was won by local favourites, Uppermill Band, who were certainly a big hit with judges and crowd.
Whit Friday 2020 will be taking place on FRIDAY 5th JUNE. It will surely be a joyous occasion once again so we’ll see you there!
    Photos by Alan Bishop photography
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