*
banner

Wet Friday

Forget Whit Friday, this year's contests will be remembered as Wet Friday.

whit friday
 

Friday 5th June 2009 will be remembered by anybody who was on the Whit Friday circuit for one simple reason — the British weather.

Rain, rain and more rain

After a glorious morning for the Whit Walks, the rain started around 3.30pm and it never stopped. At times, it was heavy, others torrential, but it never dampened anybody's spirits.

Bull dog spirit

The competing bands simply accepted it wasn't going to be a good night weather wise and got on with it with a reall stiff upper lip and true British style determination.

a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as thisRichard Evans

In praise of bands

The contest organisers have been quick to praise the bands though congratulating them for their determination to stay out on the circuit and compete. One contest secretary told 4br that she had to send her husband home to get her a change of clothes but she described the commitment of the bands as 'unbelievable'.

It was bad

In terms of when Whit Friday last suffered hurrendous weather, some would suggest around 1972, but a soaked Richard Evans who was out with Marsden told 4br 'I can remember adjudicating a good few years ago and it was bad then, but I can't remember a night such as this'.

Results updated

The results are coming in though so keep logging on to find who won what and where and 4br will look back on the wettest Whit Friday in living memory next week.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Dutch Youth

Dutch Youth shine under Antrobus and Hutchinson

August 23 • The second Dutch National Youth Band course was a great success under the direction of its inspiring musical leaders.


Bandamonium

Bandamonium set for Yorkshire

August 23 • After the success of its fourth edition in Devon the fantastic community extravaganza is set to take place in Yorkshire in September.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright Music: O Little One Sweet (J.S Bach arr. Andrew Wainwright)

August 23 • Bring a classy touch of Bach to your concert programmes with this charming little lullaby carol.


Skelmersdale

New MD and player influx at Skelmersdale

August 23 • They have been packing the ranks and the rostrum at Skelmersdale Band.


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


wantage silver band

August 22 • Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm (both times flexible depending on person).


Lydbrook Band

August 20 • Bass Trombone


Regent Brass

August 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek Bass Trombone, Eb/Bb Bass & Percussion. Shortlisted for 4barsrest Lower Section Band of the Year 2024, we have a balanced schedule of innovative concerts & contests, regularly premiering new music.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd