Whit Friday Brass Band Contest

I think that the Whit Friday Brass Band Contests are peculiar to the North West of England (but don't quote me on this!). The collage shows a flavour of our local contest.

The bands arrive on a coach, march to the podium where they play one test piece, then get back on their coach and travel to the next venue's competition.

The contests are held at pubs and clubs around the Saddleworth, Oldham and Tameside areas, and attract brass bands from all over the country, and the occasional overseas band.

It's usually a great night and these venues attract large crowds of spectators. The bands play outdoors and there were still plenty of people watching, despite tonight's damp and drizzly weather.