Friary Guildford Band on the March

 

Friary Guildford Band again headed up the M6 for the traditional Whit Friday Marches contests: what a truly British way to start the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend!

Blessed with better weather than last year, and excellent coach driver Darren, the band took part in 9 contests in Tameside, the highlight result being a highly creditable 4th place (out of 39) at Heyrod, and overall 12th out of 78 participating bands. 

Band members also enjoyed posing for a photo beneath the sign for the appropriately named ‘Surrey Street’ – in Ashton-under-Lyne – and also tucking into the traditional pie and chips served at the town’s football ground which stages one of the contests.

‘The Whit Friday Marches are simply unique,’ said Alex Stevens, Contest Secretary.  ‘The number of locals who turn out to watch and listen so enthusiastically, whatever the weather, as well as band followers from further afield, show that banding is still a highly important part of our heritage and culture.’

‘It’s also a fantastic experience literally to line up alongside top bands such as Black Dyke, Foden’s, Fairey’s and Leyland,’ explained principal cornet, Richard Straker.  ‘4th place is our best ever Whit Friday placing, and our overall result improved from last year’s 15th out of 73.’

Thanks go to all who made the long journey to take part in the event.

Scroll to Top