The Fodens Richardson Band conducted by Garry Cutt has been declared the Tameside Whit Friday Champion for the seventh consecutive year.

Six of the best

Playing their trademark Whit Friday march, The President, the Sandbach-based outfit notched up six first prizes at Droylsden, Dukinfield, Heyrod, Stalybridge, Stalybridge Celtic and Upper Mossley adding two second place's at Carrbrook and Hirst Village and a third at Denton.

For any band to do well on Whit Friday, you have to play consistently well and we've done that. We take the night very seriously and work hard at it and that hard work has paid off Garry Cutt

The only Tameside venue the band didn't play at was The Broadoak in Ashton under Lyne but when their first prize of £2500 is added to their other winnings from the night including second at Scouthead in Saddleworth, it is estimated they've won just short of £6150.

Consistency is key

Speaking with 4BR at the keys to success on Whit Friday, MD Garry Cutt said 'For any band to do well on Whit Friday, you have to play consistently well and we've done that. We take the night very seriously and work hard at it and that hard work has paid off'.

Fairey second

Fodens' North West rivals, Faireys took the £1000 runners up cheque in Tameside having competed at all ten venues where they took the spoils at The Broadoak and Carrbrook with four second places that helping them swell the coffers.

Stockport third

Stockport Brass and Michael Fowles had a terrific night taking first place at Denton, second at Heyrod and two thirds and three fourths helping them secure third place and a cheque for £750 edging Grand Shield winner Leyland out of the prizes by just one point.

Ashton's local title

The title of Local Champion went to Ashton-under-Lyne Band who were consistent all night and in taking the £750 first prize they edged out Glossop Old into second with Stalybridge finishing tthird.