TAMESIDE will once again rejoice to the sound of music when the event dubbed ‘the greatest free show on earth’ returns on June 13.
The traditional Whit Friday brass band contests will be taking place once again across the borough – and we’ve rounded up where you will be able to enjoy them.
As we reported recently, Stalybridge Celtic Football Club has rejoined the fold at Bower Fold – taking the number of competitions held in Tameside to 11.
That’s one more than last year’s total, which in itself was an increase on 2023 thanks to the inclusion of the Hyde Central contest.
The staging of the contests falls on the second Friday of the month, which means there will be no Street Fest in Stalybridge in June. The popular early-evening street food and drink market will return on July 11.
The historic Whit Friday tradition – linked to churches – dates back to the late 19th century.
The venues and times for the contests will be as follows:
Broadoak:
Ashton Rugby Club, St Albans Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 8TU)
4.30pm to 11pm
Carrbrook:
Castle Clough car park, Carr Rise, Carrbrook (postcode SK15 3NY)
4pm to 10.30pm
Denton:
Denton Cricket Club, Egerton Street (postcode M34 3PB)
4pm to 11.15pm
Droylsden:
Bush Inn, Moorside Street (postcode M43 7HL)
4pm to 11pm
Dukinfield:
Tame Valley Hotel, Park Road (postcode SK16 5LX)
4pm to 11pm
Heyrod:
Village Hall, John Street (postcode SK15 3BW)
4.30pm to 11pm
Hurst Village:
Ashton United Football Club, Surrey Street (postcode OL6 8DY)
4.15pm to 10pm
Hyde Central:
Market Square, Market Street (postcode SK14 1HL)
4pm to 10pm
Mossley:
Mossley AFC, Seel Park (postcode OL5 0ES)
4pm to 11.45pm
Stalybridge Celtic FC:
Bower Fold football ground, Mottram Road (postcode SK15 2RT)
4pm to 11pm
Stalybridge New Labour Club:
Acres Lane (postcode SK15 2EG)
4.15pm to 10.30pm
All the contests are organised by volunteer committees under the aegis 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.
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Culture, said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the Stalybridge Celtic competition, which takes place in my home town, and the town I’m proud to represent on Tameside Council.
“Its inclusion means the number of contests has increased from nine to 11 in two years and goes to show how popular brass music and the Whit Friday tradition continue to be.
“Of course, we couldn’t stage all this without the support of the Friends of Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Committee, local businesses and an army of volunteers. I would like to thank them for their help in organising a tremendous evening of music.”