Military band enters Whit Friday contests

MILITARY musicians . . . the recently-formed Band of the King’s Division will play on Whit Friday

BANDS competing at this year’s Saddleworth Whit Friday Brass Band contests could be marching to a martial beat.

The Army will be making its debut at the contests, dubbed the greatest free show on earth.

The Band of the King’s Division, part of the Corps of Army Music based at Weeton, near Preston, was formed only three months ago, one of several new music groups resulting from the Army’s current restructuring.

A brass band from Japan might also join the dozens of world-class bands due to assemble for the world-famous contests on June 13.

Neo Brass is being hosted by Hammonds’ Saltaire Band from Yorkshire, and an additional crowd-puller will be an exciting musical tussle when the famous Black Dyke competes against rivals Brighouse and Rastrick.

Whit Friday brass band contest co-ordinator, Robert Rodgers, said: “It’s great the fame of our contests has spread. More than 120 bands took part last year and we are hoping for an even bigger entry this year.” All contests will go ahead this year except Greenacres.

Saddleworth Whit Friday services

Delph: Service at St Thomas’s at 9.30am. Process around the village at 10am ending with a service outside The Swan at 11.30am.

Dobcross: Short service in the square at 10am. Process to King George Playing Fields, Uppermill, for joint service at 11am.

Uppermill: Church services at 9.45am. Process to King George Playing Fields, Uppermill, 11am.

Diggle: Service outside Hanging Gate at 10am. Process to King George Playing Fields, Uppermill, 11am.

Lydgate: Meet at Christ Church, Friezland, 9.45am.

Friezland: Prayers at St Mary’s, 9.45am. Process to King George Playing Fields, Uppermill, 11am.

Greenfield: Service at St Mary’s 9.15am. Process to Road End for joint service with Greenfield Methodist.