A FAMILIAR venue is returning to the fold as part of the event dubbed ‘the greatest free show on earth’.
After being absent for several years, Stalybridge Celtic Football Club will once again be part of the Whit Friday brass band contests this year.
The re-introduction of the club takes the number of competitions in Tameside to 11.
Villages and towns will be hosting the ever-popular and historic tradition on Friday, June 13.
Stalybridge Celtic is hoping to make its Bower Fold home, off Mottram Road, a leading venue attracting all of the major bands.
It’s part of the club’s plan to rebuild its position as a key part of the local community.
Co-owner Paul Bowden said: “As well as making the contest more attractive for visiting bands, we aim to provide a first-class venue for spectators offering comfort, affordability, refreshment – and most importantly – a great day out.”
All the contests are organised by volunteer committees under the umbrella of the Tameside Friends of Whit Friday.
Bands have to perform at six of the contests to be in with a chance of being crowned champions. They travel around venues and compete for cash prizes.
The contests – which draw thousands of spectators – test discipline, stamina and organisational skills, as well as demanding proof of musical prowess.
The judges sit with their backs to the stage, often in caravans, so the bands only get scored on the music they perform.
A tradition which dates back around 150 years, the contests remain on the calendar because of the time and effort put in by volunteers at each venue. However, they are at risk every year because of a lack of volunteers coupled with rising costs.
The competitions are linked to local churches, which organise walks on Whit Friday, with a brass band leading the procession.