Best of Brass returns to Tameside next month

The very best of brass will be playing across Tameside once again on Whit Friday, June 14

Eleven separate staging posts will host each element of the contest as brass bands from across the country - and often beyond - descend on the borough.

Each event is being organised by volunteers under the banner of the Friends of Whit Friday Band Committees.

To have a chance of being crowned champions, bands must perform at a minimum of six contests. As well as demanding proof of musical prowess, the evening also tests bands’ discipline, stamina and organisational skills.

Defending champions Foden’s have won the overall contest 16 times in the last 19 years, but they are guaranteed a difficult time if they are to defend the Rose Bowl.

Adam Pickles, chair of FOWFBBC said: “Whether you’ve been before or not, the contests are an unbelievably exciting events. You never know which bands will be out and about on the circuit. 

“With support from Tameside Council, the individual contests, businesses and an army of volunteers, it really is an evening to remember.”

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for culture, said: “These contests, which began in the 1880s, have rightly become known as the greatest free show on earth. 

“Thanks to some very dedicated volunteers they have expanded from their original base in Stalybridge and Mossley and spread right across the borough,” she added. “The Whit Friday band contests are the jewel in the crown of Tameside’s cultural events.”

Whit Friday Band Contests

• Broadoak: Ashton RUFC, St Albans Avenue, Gambrel Bank, Ashton.

• Carrbrook: Carr Rise, Carrbrook.

• Denton: Denton Cricket Club.

• Droylsden: Bush Inn, Moorside Street.

• Dukinfield Albion: Albion pub.

• Heyrod: John Street.

• Hurst Village: Ashton United FC.

• Mossley: Mossley FC.

• Stalybridge Celtic: Bower Fold.

• Stalybridge Labour Club.

• Tame Valley Hotel, Dukinfield.