Top brass backs band contests

A CLASSIC sight that continues today: the Delph contest in 1975, with Yorkshire Imperial Band.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

We’ve bent over backwards, says Oldham’s top policeman
OLDHAM’S police chief has publicly pledged his unwavering support for Saddleworth’s world-famous band contests.

Chief Supt Tim Forber has revealed details of the far-reaching efforts to ensure Friday’s celebrations go without a hitch and says he has “bent over backwards” to do so.

Officers have had leave cancelled and the whole operation is set to cost more than £20,000 — all in the face of police cuts and shrinking budgets.

Mr Forber said: “We are very proud to support the band contests and we will continue to do so this year. It’s the biggest event of the year and that’s why I am taking control of it myself, and putting a lot of effort into the preparation.

“It’s a fantastic, community event for all the family and many people come to enjoy it. It’s an opportunity to show off all that is great about Saddleworth - and I am very happy to support that.”

His support follows concerns voiced by several organisers who said overbearing responsibilities as well as police and council changes were making arranging the contests a nightmare.

Mr Forber says he is keen to show the force is dedicated to ensuring safety at the contests.

Throughout the day he will command the operation, while two inspectors will co-ordinate police teams. Over 100 police officers, PCSOs and neighbourhood officers will be spread across the twelve contests, as well as first response teams from Oldham Council.

Mr Forber also issued a strong message to potential troublemakers.

“Historically, a small minority of people have come to get drunk and cause antisocial behaviour. That will not be tolerated.”


FORMER Oldham music director Eileen Bentley said to cancel the contests would be a tragedy.
“The whole brass band movement is typically Oldham. It is a tradition and it would be awful to see it go. We live in an age where it has got harder and harder to hold events like this. Now we’ve got to have rules and regulations, and people are getting bogged down with it. But you can’t not follow the particulars, because it would be wrong to do so.

“I hope it won’t be the end of it, and I hope people are prepared to follow this through.”



THOUSANDS of pounds will be doled out in prize money on Friday on what is set to be another knockout year for the Whit Friday band contests.
Close to £40,000 is up for grabs for contenders, who will flock from far and wide to take part in a tradition that has become synonymous with Saddleworth around the world.

As well regional brass champions, bands will fly from as far as Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark to get a slice of the action.

The Brassed Off spirit will be alive and well as bands march down the street at twelve villages.



START TIMES
Friday June 1.

Delph: 4.15pm - 10.30pm

Denshaw: 4pm - 10.45pm

Diggle: 4.15pm - 10.30pm

Dobcross: 4.30pm - 10pm

Greenacres: 4.30pm - 10.30pm

Greenfield: 4.30pm - 10pm

Grotton: 4pm - 10pm

Lees and Springhead: 4.30pm - 10pm

Lydgate: 4.30pm - 10.30pm

Scouthead and Austerlands: 4.30am - 10pm

Uppermill: 4pm - 10.30pm

Friezland: 4.30pm - 10.30pm


READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle