*
banner

New Whit Friday contest set for September

A new Whit Friday inspired contest for bands from Tameside and Oldham is set to take place this Autumn — and is lookin for local entrants

Whit
  The new contest is for bands based in the Tameside and Oldham areas

A new outdoor contest is set to make an open invitation to bands from the Tameside and Oldham areas keen to battle for a September 'Whit Friday' title.

Autumn Leaves

4BR has been informed that the Greenfield 'Autumn Leaves' Brass Band Contest has extended an open invitation all brass bands from Tameside as well as Oldham to compete at the new event in Greenfield on Sunday, September 5th.

Speaking to 4BR, Frank Rothwell, Chairman of the Greenfield contest committee said: "We want to make it a full-on contest for bands of all abilities from championship to social and youth training bands.

Celebration

He added: "We are planning a major event with 6000 tickets being printed. Normally on Whit Friday we hold the Saddleworth contest alongside the Tameside contests and together we provide a major international celebration of brass band music.

Each band will play up to three verses of a hymn with variations and a march as on the Whit Friday Contest."

The contest will be in the hymn and march format to take place on the elevated stage on Ladhill playing fields in Greenfield.

The contest will be in the hymn and march format to take place on the elevated stage on Ladhill playing fields in Greenfieldcontest organisers

Contact:

Mr Rothwell added: "We are planning an old fashioned family Sunday afternoon in the park and we have extended the party into Greenfield Cricket Club which will more than double the grassed area available."

To enter a Tameside or Oldham band, contact should be made at: Rothwellfrank50@gmail.com

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    


Arsenal and Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 8

September 4 • What's the link between the Premier League champions Arsenal and British Open champion Brighouse & Rastrick?


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd