THOUSANDS OF locals and visitors are set to enjoy a spectacular day of free entertainment on Whit Friday in Saddleworth on Friday, May 29.
The day begins with the traditional Whit Walks when all ages process around the area led by the various churches of the Parish.
For more details and a full timetable of walks, please see here.
Then, throngs of people will gather to enjoy the evening’s band contests, dubbed locally as ‘the greatest free show on earth’.
Contests – all organised by local volunteers – will run across 11 villages from around 4pm until 10.30pm, with bands travelling from up and down the country to compete.
Some road restrictions are in force in the area from 4pm until midnight and these have been signposted in advance. Event stewards or police will be on hand at venues if motorists need help.
Oldham Council provides help and financial support to ensure contests hit all the right notes once again and residents and visitors can enjoy the day in safety.
Cllr Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The Whit Friday Band contests are one of the highlights of the year.
“Thanks to the huge efforts made by the contest organisers and volunteers the event has been a success year after year and has firmly put us on the musical map.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming bands and visitors from across the country, and as far afield as Europe, to a fabulous free show.
“It is vital we all support major events like this because they contribute to our tourism and events industry, which is worth more than £240m and supports 3,000 jobs in Oldham.
“We’ve been working for months with the organisers and partners to ensure we have all the right traffic diversions, stewarding and policing arrangements in place.”
The Saddleworth and Lees District Executive has also been closely involved in organising the event and has again given a significant financial contribution towards the costs of prizes, stewarding and other vital amenities.
GMP officers will be in attendance across the various contests. They advise parents to keep in touch with children throughout the day so you know where they are, who they are with and when you can expect them to return home.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Catherine Hankinson, who is commander for the day, hopes people enjoy the event but act responsibly as well.
She said: “The Saddleworth Band Contest is a great event for all of the family.
“The contest has a history in the area and with that in mind we are proud to work with the organisers to ensure that it is a fun, safe and enjoyable event for all involved.
“We want everyone attending to enjoy the day but we also want to send a clear message about the policing operation in place.
“Our officers on the ground will deal robustly with anyone found behaving antisocially, drinking to excess or involved in crime.
“Any alcohol found with underage youngsters will be seized and our licensing officers will be advising parents on the dangers of alcohol if they identify any children under the influence.”
Once the music has stopped there is a huge clean-up operation as volunteers and council staff clear away litter and empty street bins.
Anyone aware of young people planning to bring alcohol to the band contest is asked to report this to the police by calling 101. You do not need to provide your own personal details.
For more background information on the band contests see here.
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