Save our band contest

BRASS lovers lined the streets as bands paraded through Lees last year

Organisers in appeal for volunteers

ANXIOUS organisers of the Lees Whit Friday Band Contest say the future of the event could be in jeopardy if new volunteers don’t come forward.

This year’s bonanza may seem a long way off yet, but members of the committee say the event could be consigned to the history books if villagers don’t rally round.

Putting on the large-scale event is becoming a struggle for the team of seven.

“Your band contest needs you,” is their plea.

Councillor Valerie Sedgwick, who has been pitching in for the past eight years, said: “We need to keep it going.

“Once it goes it will not come back and that is my worry.

“It’s a tradition that people want to see continue.”

Glistening sunshine spelt success for last year’s event that saw hundreds of locals line the streets, pubs do a roaring trade and just under 50 bands parade along the high street as part of the Saddleworth festivities.

Committee numbers have dwindled from more than a dozen in recent years due to ill health and volunteers retiring.

This year’s event is scheduled for June 17, with organisers meeting in February to discuss the logistics of saving the contest.

Councillor Bill Cullen, head of the committee, said: “It’s the third oldest contest and dates back to 1892.

“It has always been run by volunteers but the people that have been doing it for the last 20 years are now a lot older.

“For one day it brings everyone out right across Saddleworth.

“We’ve seen a reduced police presence over the years and more onus will be on volunteers helping with the management this year.”

Councillor Sedgwick said: “We need young people to take over, we need that new blood.

“We don’t have enough to run the event.

“It’s so enjoyable and it always comes together.

“We need people to get motivated and make sure it carries on.”

To volunteer or find out more contact Valerie on 0161-652-4507 or Bill on 0161-626-7625.