Photo gallery: Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Contest 2019

Friday, 21 June 2019 17:55

By Tom Greggan

The greatest free show on Earth was another huge success as thousands of music lovers defied the wet weather for the Whit Friday brass band contest.

Dozens of bands competed at eleven venues across the borough, with Foden’s once again winning the open title. They were victorious at eight venues, securing their 18th open title in 19 years and taking home the £2,000 prize.

This year’s best viewing was to be found in Dukinfield, with the Tame Valley contest proving the most popular contest; 48 bands took part there, while the Albion contest closely followed with 44 bands.

It was a bittersweet occasion, with the late Brian Hill honoured at both contests. Brain was Chair of Friends of Whit Friday until his death last year and was instrumental in keeping the band contest alive in the face of budget cuts.

At the Tame Valley, the first ever ‘Brian Hill Memorial Award’ was awarded to the highest placed local band at that contest, with Mossley taking home the trophy.

The ‘Brian Hill Award’ was given to the best overall local band, which was won by Ashton-under-Lyne.

Macclesfield Youth won the youth championship, beating Mossley Hollins School in second.

A ‘bigger and better’ contest was promised at Stalybridge Labour Club and that’s how it proved with 39 bands entertaining the hundreds of visitors.

Cllr Sam Gosling, manager at the Labour Club, said: “I was absolutely blown away by the turnout and support we had from the people of Stalybridge. It was a fantastic day and we can’t wait to do it again next year.

“I’d also like to thank the volunteers and my staff for all their hard work.”

The weather couldn’t dampen spirits at the Bush Inn in Droylsden where 33 bands played and the large crowd enjoyed a barbeque and outside bar. The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Leigh Drennan, also enjoyed a visit as he attempted to get round to as many contests as possible.

The Mossley contest was held at a new venue this year, with 31 bands playing at Seel Park. And local bands did well there; St John’s named the highest placed fourth section and Mossley Hollins the highest placed youth.

Some 55 bands took part in total- an increase of seven on last year- including Rong Brass and Skeie Brass who travelled all the way from Norway.

A Tameside Council spokesman said: “The weather could have been kinder to us but the Whit Friday contests were once again a great success. The event fully lived up to its reputation as the greatest free show on earth.”

For a full round-up of results visit www.4barsrest.com.

Carrbrook