Former euphonium star Mike Kilroy will preside over the Delph Whit Friday contest this June, following the retirement Keith Hollinshead as the adjudicator for the event after 23 years of service.

Long association

Mike has a long association with the Saddleworth area and in particular Delph, where aged eight, he began his playing career on horn before making the move to euphonium to play with many of the leading bands in the UK.

I feel honoured and privileged to adjudicate at this contest which means so much and revives so many special memories for meMike Kilroy

Huge event

Speaking about his appointment Mike told 4BR: "Whit Friday has been a huge event in my banding career over four decades or more. Returning as a judge to Delph, the starting point of my playing career, in a place where I spent so many of my formative years is a dream come true."

He added: "I feel honoured and privileged to adjudicate at this contest which means so much and revives so many special memories for me."