The show must go on!

WAS this really the last post for the Scouthead band contest?

OLDHAM mirrored the battling spirit of the nation at the weekend.

While there was an air of defiance in Saddleworth on Friday to make sure that the fabulous tradition of the Saddleworth Band Contests is not allowed to die.

The weather was the main obstacle yesterday as the Diamond Jubilee celebrations took a battering from the elements.

Saddleworth’s spectacular band contests face an uncertain future but organisers are now keen to have early talks with police and council officials to make sure the traditional band and beer events are not hit by red tape and bureaucracy.

Friday’s events were deemed a huge success and a massive boost for the local economy.

And organisers are hopeful the mindless anti-social behaviour a one crowd of youths in Uppermill does not cast a shadow over everything else.

An online petition has seen hundreds pledge their support for a band contest that might have heard its last tune on Friday night.

Scouthead organisers have been forced to pull the plug on the 35-year-contest after overbearing regulations.

But a brassed-off protester has launched an e-petition to keep it alive — with almost 400 signatures in under a week.

Sylvia Taylor, of Greenalls Band, said: “If Scouthead goes, it’s like taking the first brick out of the wall.

“This is a big international event — the Notting Hill of the North.”

Signatures on the petition have come in from as far afield as Canada, Holland and Norway.

Scouthead’s first contest was staged during The Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

If you want to support the cause, visit www.whitfriday. brassbands.saddleworth.org.uk




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