Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Contest
Friday 29th May 2026

 

 

             

 

​​​​Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Committee

Chairs Update 2026

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“Hi everyone, I’m Cat, Chair of the F.O.T.W.F.B.B.C.

I’ve been going to the Whit Friday Band Contests since I was little, and I’ve got so many lovely memories of watching the bands at different venues growing up.

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Just before the pandemic, I got involved with my local contest in Hurst Village, and not long after that I was asked to take on running it. Then in 2023, I was voted in as Chair of the F.O.T.W.F.B.B.C — and honestly, it’s been such a privilege watching the Whit Friday Contest in Tameside get stronger and more vibrant each year.

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One of my favourite things is seeing the history and heritage of this amazing tradition continue to flourish. It only happens because of the brilliant volunteers and organisers who give up their time, rain or shine, to keep these contests going. Whit Friday really is a celebration of brass music, community spirit, and the shared history of everyday people from across the UK and even further afield.

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Across Tameside we now run 11 contests, and we’re always happy to hear from anyone who might fancy hosting one in the future. It is a big job — but it’s so rewarding. And if hosting feels like a bit much, every venue is always grateful for a helping hand on the night, even if you can only spare a couple of hours.

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I’m really excited for this year’s contest, and I can’t wait to see everything come together on 29th May , when brass band music fills the streets of Tameside once again.

 

Cat Tomlinson
Chair, F.O.T.W.F.B.B.C
March 2026

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