Church youth band set for starring role

This Friday’s world famous Saddleworth Brass Band contests will be a spectacular occasion throughout Saddleworth — and especially for Uppermill Methodist Church as it welcomes special guests.

The National Methodist Youth Brass Band will be visiting Uppermill for the weekend, to play in the contests and a concert on Saturday. The visitors will also help the church to mark its double centenary.

Members of the band will lead the Uppermill Whit Walks before joining in the contests.

On Saturday afternoon, the 30-strong band will play a concert in the Methodist church, with former conductors taking up the baton during the performance.

Peter Strawsen, a member of the band, said: “This is a unique weekend for us. It is so good to be a part of everything going on, playing to thousands of people in all the villages.”

Tickets for the concert: £5 by emailing tickets@uppermillmethodistchurch.gov.uk.


THE Scouthead and Austerlands Band Contest returns this year.
Last year’s Scouthead event was cancelled after police stopped bands marching after 10.30pm. This year bands will be able to use the road until midnight.

Organiser David Needham said: “Thankfully common sense has prevailed and we are to be treated the same as all the other Saddleworth contests.”