A GUIDE TO WHIT FRIDAY CONTESTS (Including Drivers Notes)

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WFG-R04 06/05/16

A GUIDE TO WHIT FRIDAY CONTESTS

(Including Drivers Notes)

2016

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DRIVERS GUIDE TO WHIT FRIDAY CONTESTS

About Whit Friday

Often described as 'the greatest free show on Earth', the Saddleworth & District Whit Friday Brass Band Contests take place every year on the afternoon and evening of Whit Friday

Contests typically start at about 4.30pm. Bands play two pieces (marches), one on the march and then their well-rehearsed show-piece on whatever passes for a rostrum. Each performance is scored 'blind' by an adjudicator, hidden in some adjacent darkened room or caravan.

Each contest offers prizes for the best band, best youth band, best soloists etc. At one of the busier venues, you could expect to hear over 50 bands, before the winners are announced shortly after close (10.30 pm or 11.30pm, though the most popular contests can go on well into the early hours).

It is possible to look in at several contests during the evening. But with over 100 bus-loads of bandsmen about, with many of the roads closed to traffic and the inevitable parking problems, it pays not to be over-ambitious.

Warning To Coach Drivers

Police and Council officials monitoring traffic movement at last year’s event, were alarmed at the speed of some band coaches manoeuvring between the Saddleworth villages. This was particularly noticeable in the vicinity of Brownhill (the junction of High Street, Wool Road and Dobcross New Road at Dobcross). In view of this they have instructed contests to advise all participating bands to ensure their coach drivers moderate their speed according to the traffic conditions and take extra care when approaching road junctions. They should also be mindful of the need to take instruction from the stewards at individual contests and co-operate with them at all times.

Information

The information provided in this pack is for guidance only (Sounds Travel accepts no responsibility for any incorrect information, all information is provided in good faith) and the instructions from each individual contest’s marshals should be followed at all times.

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Saddleworth Venues

DELPH WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

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DENSHAW WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Huddersfield Rd, Outside Oddfellows

TOP PRIZE NOW £1000

PRIZES FOR ALL SECTIONS YOUTH PRIZES

DON’T FORGET OUR SPOT PRIZE

CONVENIENT TURNING CIRCLE FOR COACHES EASY DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP

Book-in Point: Adjacent to Oddfellows Club, Huddersfield Road. Last book-in 10.45 p.m.

Denshaw is the first Saddleworth venue off the M62, so why not make it your first or last port of call on the circuit? We are located at the junction of the A672, A640 & A6052, in Denshaw, just 5 minutes from the M62 (junction 21 or 22).

If you don’t want to visit us first or last thing on the day, it’s worth knowing that we traditionally have a quiet spell around 8.00 to 9.30 p.m. and we offer a spot prize of £100 for one lucky band signing in between these times! (NB. Open to all bands, irrespective of classification, provided that your band has not won another prize at Denshaw)

If you want to check how many bands are waiting before you arrive, please phone 07920 763979 or 07415 383532 or tweet to @Denshawcontest. We have excellent coach parking facilities and ALWAYS TURN BANDS ROUND QUICKLY. Wherever Denshaw fits into your route, just give us a call or tweet. If there is a big queue at another Contest, you could easily fit us in and then go to take your place in their queue.

GETTING HERE AND COACH PARKING

If you are travelling West on the M62 please use Junction 22 (not the A640 from Huddersfield as this road is closed on the night). If you are travelling East you can use Junction 21 or 22.

Please park your coach on Rochdale Road (not Ripponden Road as this can cause unnecessary congestion).

You can drop off your runner at the crossroads whilst your coach is parking up. Please note – your band must all be present when you book in. We cannot accept a runner who has not travelled with the band.

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DIGGLE WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Huddersfield Rd, Diggle

We have and excellent site, with easy access and quick turnaround for bands. We were proud that many bands have commended us for our organisation and results distribution.

REGISTRATION

Registration opens at 3.30pm and takes bands strictly in order of arrival.

We will provide you with a Registration Form as your coach arrives in the village.  

Forms will only be given to bands arriving, and will not be available for unaccompanied "runners". You can download more information about the process here.

Please complete the details fully and hand it in at the Registration Tent. If you have played in Diggle on previous years, then you will have received a confirmation of details from us. Just print this off and complete any new information and the details of the music you are playing, and attach it to your registration form. We will confirm the details we have on file for you when you arrive. You can provide your details in advance of the day by using our Mailing List form.

If you are able to provide an e-mail address, then you will receive your results and adjudicator's comments within 48 hours. If you wish to have them posted to you, then please supply a Stamped Addressed Envelope

WARNING TO COACH DRIVERS - there was concern last year about the speed of coaches. Please see the message from the Police and OMBC and ensure that your coach driver adheres to signage and instructions from officials.

HOTLINE NUMBER

For information about the number of bands waiting, please use the following number: 07890299718

Put the message "HOW MANY" in a text and we will respond with the number of bands waiting at the time. Please be aware that coaches may arrive just after we have sent the text!

This number will only be in use on the day of the 2015 contest.

We will also be TWEETING on the night to keep you informed. Search for #DIGCON

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DOBCROSS WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Church Fields, Dobcross

The contest takes place in the heart of the Dobcross conservation area.

Coach Drivers – Coaches are to approach Dobcross using Sugar Lane from Wool Road

Each band plays in on Platt Lane before marching down to the contest arena on Church Fields.

Times: 4.00 - 10.00

Adjudicator: Bob Childs

Dobcross contest is closely allied to the Whit Walks. After the walks, it is tradition that Dobcross Band leads the procession back to Dobcross via Wool Road and Sugar Lane. There is a sports afternoon and a children's film show. There is a special Henry Livings prize for bands who have participated in the morning's Whit Walks.

There is a barbecue in the evening.

There is disabled parking at the new vicarage on Woods Lane. The vicarage is about half-way up Woods Lane on the right. There is still a good 50 to 100 yards up-hill walk to Church Fields, but it is the nearest flat parking that is available.

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FRIEZLAND WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Christ Church Friezland Parish Hall

The Friezland contest is held in the grounds of Christ Church Friezland Parish Hall. The march takes place on Oaklands Road, opposite the church.

The contest is restricted to 3rd and 4th section bands and youth bands.

Times: 4.30 - 10.30

Adjudicator: Tim Newbigging

Friezland contest has a family oriented approach. They provide seating for spectators, on-site refreshment, a barbecue and a real ale bar.

The contest site has wheel-chair access with a 20yd drop-off point. And there is a disabled toilet on-site.

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GREENFIELD WHIT FRIDAY BAND CONTEST

Chew Valley Road, Greenfield

The Greenfield context takes place on the playing field adjacent to the cricket ground. If you are lucky, you might even be able to watch a few overs while the bands are playing.

There are ample food facilities and children's entertainment.

The march takes place along Chew Valley Road, which is the main road through the centre of Greenfield village.

Times: 4.00 - 10.00 (Register from 3:30) Adjudicator: Chris Wormald

Band registration is at - Greenfield Conservative club, Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, OL3 7DB.

Wheelchair access to the field is no problem.

There is reserved disabled parking at Scotts car-park, which is 200 yds from the field. If you need to drop-off on the field, then get there early and ask any of the stewards.

Bands to march up Chew Valley Rd and play as usual.

Coaches to line up on Chew Valley Rd from Shaw St back towards Wellington Rd. Coaches to go down Greenbridge lane to turn round at Boarshurst band club, once band starts on march.

No parking on Chew Valley Rd between Wellington Rd and Berry Brow. No parking on Greenbridge lane from Primrose Bank. No through traffic Greenbridge Lane/Oakview Rd from 4.15pm.

No through traffic on Chew Valley Rd after 4 15.pm.

Resident access with pass only from appropriate end of village from 4.15pm (Station Brow end for access to properties from Shaw St to Eskdale ave.

Clarence end via Manchester Rd for properties from St Mary’s Drive to (and including) Kinders Lane).

No entry or exit to Kinders Lane at junction of Chew Valley Rd (access via Berry Brow or Park Lane).

Ladhill Lane closed

Bands to exit Ladhill field at Greenbridge Lane end to re-join coaches. Coaches to leave in direction of Station Brow.

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GROTTON WHIT FRIDAY BAND CONTEST

Station Road, Grotton, Saddleworth, OL4 5SF

Grotton contest recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. So thanks to everyone who has volunteered their time over the years.

The Grotton Band Contest march takes place along Station Road, which runs from the site of Grotton railway station (closed in 1955) towards the former site of Grotton Lido (closed in WW2). The station served the famous L&NWR Delph Donkey railway line. Grotton Lido was believed to be the biggest open-air bathing pool in the country, 180ft long, with a water chute, a dance floor and a bandstand. There's still a bandstand, but it's at Grotton Pavillion on the site of the band contest

There is good access and parking for disabled. There is a beer tent on site.

Times: 4.00 - 10.00

Adjudicator: Roy Rowe

Coach Drivers – Coaches drop the runner outside a house as you enter Station Rd (usually signed) then proceed down Station Rd and turn round at the bottom and park up in the queue and follow the band as they march.

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LEES & SPRINGHEAD WHIT FRIDAY BAND CONTEST

High Street, Lees

The Lees & Springhead contest takes place in the centre of Lees. Bands march along Lees High Street and play by the Lees Library.

Times: 4.30 - 10.00

Adjudicator: Alan Fernie

Coach Drivers : Parking usually starts on Mellor St with Coaches moving round to New Street as the Bands Play Food & Drink: Lees is well endowed with pubs, restaurants and

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LYDGATE WHIT FRIDAY BAND CONTEST

Stockport Road, Lydgate, Saddleworth

Lydgate contest is hosted by the White Hart Inn, Stockport Road, Lydgate. The site offers dramatic views across to Oldham and Manchester in the distance. The march takes place along Stockport Road.

Times: 4.00 - 10.30

Adjudicator: Derek Southcott

Coach Drivers – Coaches Park on Oldham Rd if coming from either Grotton or Greenfield directions or Platting Rd if coming from Scouthead/Austerlands. On leaving Platting lane the coach will ground at the junction with Oldham road and a Ferry Lift should be used

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SCOUTHEAD & AUSTERLANDS WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Huddersfield Road, Scouthead, Saddleworth

The Scouthead & Austerlands contest takes place on Dawson's Field in a safe, family friendly and hassle free environment; located just off the A62 Huddersfield Road at Scouthead. Bands register and coaches assemble, at the Three Crowns Inn before marching along the A62 to the contest field.

Times: 4.15 - 11.00

Adjudicator: Jonathan Pippen Deportment Adjudicator: Mark Travis

Coach parking: On Huddersfield Road (from Oldham direction, initially at the Three Crowns Inn)

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UPPERMILL WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

King George V Playing Field, Uppermill

Uppermill was home to one of the very first Whit Friday Brass Band Contests in 1884 between just five bands (the other contests were Mossley and Stalybridge). The contest takes place on King George V playing field. Bands assemble by the museum and march along Uppermill High Street.

Times: 4.00 - 10.30

Adjudicator: D. Marshall

Band registration is at the Museum Car Park, High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6HY. Coach Drivers – Coaches park on High Street and follow the bands up as they march then pick the bands up near the junction with St. Marys Gate

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Tameside Venues

MAP OF TAMESIDE VENUES

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AUDENSHAW (ALDWINIANS) WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Aldwinians Rugby Union Football Club

Aldwinians Rugby Union Football Club Droylsden Road

Audenshaw M34 5SN 4pm - 10.30pm

DIRECTIONS TO ALDWINIANS GROUNDS

We are located 3/4 mile west of Junction 23 of the M60 at the Snipe Retail Park. Road signs direct you to the club at regular intervals. Situated in 11 acres of land the club has a 120 capacity tarmacadum car park with disabled driver spaces. A substantial part of the car park area becomes a dedicated coach arrival and departure area on Contest day enabling a well organised vehicle flow in and out of the grounds to expedite Band movements to their venues in the Borough.

The club employs a full time steward, it enjoys a Premises Licence. and the club facilities are available throughout the Contest.

SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS FOR COACHES M60 from Oldham Direction

Exit Motorway at Junction 23. At the lights AT TOP OF SLIP ROAD turn right towards Manchester on A635

M60 from Stockport Direction

Exit Motorway at Junction 23, at the lights AT TOP OF SLIP ROAD turn left. Go to next set of lights and turn left again onto A635 towards Manchester.

THEN: FOR BOTH ROUTES

Go straight on A635 passing Dreams store, Carphone Warehouse and Pizza Hut on your left and get in the right hand lane. Go through the pedestrian crossing lights and bear right at the next set of lights now keeping in middle lane. You are following the A662 sign to Droylsden. You should also be able to see the Aldwinians RUFC sign at the lights.

Follow this one way system round to the left onto A662 Droylsden Rd. Follow the road past the shops and Nisa supermarket on your left (250 yards). After Kershaw Lane on left , there is a row of terraced houses. Slow down as there is a gap in the terraces(100 yds) where you will turn left , again you should be able to see the Aldwinians RUFC sign on the right hand side of the road. Allow a wide left turning movement and go through the gates on to the car park where you will receive directions from Stewards to line up your coach.

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BROADOAK WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Broadoak Hotel, Broadoak, OL6 8QD

Broadoak Hotel

Broadoak Rd

Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 8QD

Contest: 5.00pm — 10.30pm

Main Prize: £500 from a total prize fund of £1,600 Adjudicator: Duncan Beckley

Contact: Robert Frost (0161 3302764)

The Broadoak Contest takes place on the Car Park of the well known Broadoak Residential Hotel. The road outside is closed to traffic and the Contest can be viewed from Broadoak Green opposite. A full size Bandstand both covered and well illuminated makes for excellent viewing of the participating bands even after dark. Seating is provided both inside and outside and a selection of fast food is available outside.

This venue is appreciated by the participating bands and draws a variety of skills from junior/school bands to the “Best of British” top section Bands. Prizes are available for each section as well as Local and Deportment categories

The Broadoak Contest is said to be one of the best on the circuit and always attracts a large audience, in a safe environment and a quaint “Old English Pub” setting.

The Contest starts at 5.00pm and last registration is 10.30pm. Final play 11.00pm, closing with the National.

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CARRBROOK WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Carr Rise, Carrbrook, SK15 3NY

Carrbrook Contest Carr Rise Carrbrook Stalybridge SK15 3NY 4.30pm - 10.30pm

Main Prize: £600 from a total prize fund of £1,535 Adjudicator: John Davies

Contact: Tony Williams (07792070504) twitter: @CarrbrookWhitFr

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DENTON WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Denton Cricket Club, Egerton St, M34 3PB

Denton Contest

Denton Cricket Club Egerton St

Denton M34 3PB

Contest: 4.00pm - 11.15pm

Main Prize: £250 from a total prize fund of £1,285 Adjudicator: Mike Lyons

Contact: Mrs Joan Emery (0161 2925319) twitter: @DBBAwhitfriday

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DROYLSDEN WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

The Bush Inn, Moorside St, M43 7HL

Droylsden Contest

The Bush Inn, Moorside Street Droylsden M43 7HL

Contest: 4.30pm -11.00pm The Bush Inn

Main Prize: £400 from a total prize fund of £1,625 Adjudicator: Ryan Breen

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DUKINFIELD WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Tame Valley Hotel, Park Rd, SK16 5LX

Dukinfield:

Contest: 4.30pm - 11.00pm Tame Valley Hotel

Main Prize: £400 from a total prize fund of £1500 Adjudicator: Dave Chapman

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HEYROD WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

, Park Rd, SK16 5LX

Heyrod Contest John Street Wakefield Road Heyrod Stalybridge SK15 3BW Contest: 4.30pm -10.30pm

Main Prize: £600 from a total prize fund of £1,745 Adjudicator: A. McLaughlin

Contact: Bob Lear (0161 338 2003)

For those of you who do not know, Heyrod is a small village situated between Stalybridge and Mossley and forms part of the Tameside circuit of contests. We are as far north as you can go in Cheshire and can be accessed from the A635 which carries the name Wakefield Road from Stalybridge and Manchester Road from Mossley.

The Contest takes place in the heart of the Village at the Village Hall on John Street, with coaches parking on the A635.

Bands assemble on John Street for their deportment march. They march to the village hall car park where they will play their set piece.

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HURST VILLAGE WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Ashton United F.C., Surrey St, OL6 8DY

Hurst Village Contest

Ashton United FC Surrey Street Hurst Cross

Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9EQ

Main Prize: £300 from a total prize fund of £1,275 Adjudicator: Richie Howard

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STALYBRIDGE CELTIC WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Stalybridge Celtic F.C., Bower Fold, SK15 2RT

Stalybridge Celtic Contest

Stalybridge Celtic Football Club Bower Fold

Mottram Road Stalybridge SK15 2RT 4.30pm - 11pm

Main Prize: £500 from a total prize fund of £1, 490 Adjudicator: Adrian Morris

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STALYBRIDGE WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

Stalybridge Labour Club, Acres Lane, SK15 2JR

Stalybridge Contest

Stalybridge Labour Club Acres Lane

Stalybridge SK15 2JR

4.30pm - 10.30pm

Main Prize: £400 from a total prize fund of 1,475 Adjudicator: C. Evans

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UPPER MOSSLEY WHIT FRIDAY CONTEST

St Joseph’s School Yard, Market St, OL5 OES

Upper Mossley Contest

St Joseph’s School Yard, Market Street, Mossley 4.30pm - 10pm

Main Prize: £600 from a total prize fund of £1,875 Adjudicator: M. Tweedle

Contact: Paul Harrison (07876214425)

A GUIDE TO WHIT FRIDAY CONTESTS (Including Drivers Notes)