Whit Friday Brass Band Contests

Whit Friday in Saddleworth can be bewildering so we hope that the information here will help you to plan your visit.

Also known as the Greatest Free Show on Earth, brass bands come from all corners of the earth, and Yorksire to compete in these prestigious contests.

Eleven band contests take place on the evening of Whit Friday and, although very close geographically, they are completely independent of each other.

Each contest has its own rules, organisation and prizes, however bands who compete in at least six of the contests are then eligible to win one of the coveted Saddleworth and Oldham Whit Friday Band Contest Area Prizes.

This means that on Whit Friday evening there can be as many as 100 coaches driving around our villages trying to get their bands to as many contests as possible!

See our dedicated page for more info.