Saddleworth ready to welcome in Whit Friday band contest

Saddleworth is gearing up for the annual Whit Friday spectacular this week.

Oldhamers are being urged to plan their visit in advance due to several road closures being put in place.  

Eleven band contests will take place on the evening of  Friday, June 13 and, although very close geographically, they are completely independent of each other but the excitement of the event is unmatched, as no one knows which bands will turn up in their village.  

Each contest has its own rules, organisation and prizes, however bands who compete in at least six of the contests are eligible to win one of the coveted Saddleworth and Oldham Whit Friday Band Contest area prizes. 

It could be a world-class brass band, thrilling the crowd with their polished performance or a lively scratch band, formed just for the day, bringing fun and surprises to the village. 

Adding to the spectacle, overseas bands often make an appearance, proudly carrying their national flags or dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.  

Their presence brings an extra layer of international flair to the competition. 

The highlight of the spectacular show is the talented youngsters from youth bands giving it their all, vying for their own section prizes.  

Every contest kicks off with a lively street march, where bands parade through the village streets to the delight of gathered crowds.  

Leading each band will be a dedicated volunteer marshal - proudly carrying a sign displaying the band’s name and the tune they’ll be playing for their contest piece.  

But here’s the twist—this piece is judged completely ‘blind.’ The adjudicator remains unseen, often tucked away in a caravan near the stage or inside a nearby house, ensuring that only the music itself determines the winners. 

After the lively street march, each band takes to the ‘stage’—which could be anything from a proper bandstand or village green to the back of a flatbed truck.   

General vehicle access will be very restricted during the contests with temporary No Parking zones and road closures across the area. 

People are being advised to be careful about relying too much on standard Google Map directions. Volunteers will be on hand to give appropriate directions. 

Public transport links are available from Manchester and Huddersfield by train, and Oldham and Ashton Under Lyne by bus and the Bee Network app contains information about the relevant bus routes. 

Also, those attending should be  careful when walking or cycling on public roads. Band coaches will be driving between the contests all through the evening trying to get their bands to as many of the contests. 

The Whit Friday isn’t just about the band contests! In the morning the Whit Walks take place between 10am and 1pm when several villages walk into Uppermill with their church banners, followed by their village band to congregate in a joint church service in Uppermill.