The world famous Whit Friday contests will take place tomorrow (9th June), hopefully bathed in sunshine and with a record number of bands and ensembles taking part.

And with the General Election out of the way, the media is sure to focus its attention on the event with national, regional and local media outlets on hand, as well as the usual banding press.

Radio 2 search

The 9th June was originally the date earmarked as BBC Radio's annual Music Day — although due to the fight to see who will end up at Number 10, it has now been put back to Thursday 15th June.

However, a few weeks ago, BBC Radio 2 launched a search to find a brass band that would be competing on the Saddleworth circuit that best illustrates the positive power of music making on local communities.

Bands were asked to submit an example of them performing and a short resume explaining why they best illustrated the theme, using personal stories and examples, and why they deserved the award.

The winner will be announced on Whit Friday in Delph (at the contest venue on Gartside Street) hopefully between 3.00pm and 4.00pm where the winning band will hopefully perform music alongside Frank Renton from 'Listen to the Band'. It's anticipated that this will be broadcast on Tuesday 13th June and on the BBC Music Day coverage.

And with the General Election out of the way, the media is sure to focus its attention on the event with national, regional and local media outlets on hand, as well as the usual banding press4BR

International flavour

Local newspapers and radio are also out in force, whilst the various outlets of the banding press will also be out getting in the results and giving a flavour of the event — which this year features overseas visitors from Norway, Switzerland and Australia.

This year will see a number of bands competing from Norway, Switzerland and Australia with the Tanunda Town Band making the longest journey to participate.

4BR's preview coverage will appear later today