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• Band Contest Start Time: 4.00 pm (registration opens at 3.30 pm)
• Last Booking in: 10.00 pm
• Registration form (for multiple contests)
• Booking-in fee: £5.00, which includes a programme
• Location: Booking-in and March Start at Saddleworth Museum OL3 6HS; Contest Stage – King George V Playing Fields, Uppermill, OL3 6AT
• Adjudicator: Benjamin Richeton
• Bands Waiting: Number of bands waiting
• Contact: Email: Uppermill contest Call: Mobile

Uppermill: A Contest Steeped in Tradition Since 1884

Traffic, Arrival & Registration

• High Street will be closed to general traffic from approximately 4.00 pm until the finish. As it remains a thoroughfare, buses or emergency vehicles may occasionally need access, which can delay band progression. We do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum and thank you for your patience.
• Competing bands should approach Uppermill from the station side. Bands entering High Street from the viaduct end will need to travel through the village and turn around via Chapel Road and Shaw Hall Bank Road to join the back of the queue. Traffic management will prioritise marching bands, and delays are likely for those arriving from the viaduct end.
• Bands arriving before booking-in opens will be directed to park on Oldham Road, between Chapel Road and the station. This helps minimise traffic disruption before the road closure. Please follow the signage and steward instructions.
• The playing order will be determined by the order of coach arrival, not by runners. After parking, one representative should collect the band number from the steward at the clearly signposted Check-in Point, before proceeding to the Museum foyer for booking-in.
• The Booking-in fee is £5.00, which includes a programme. Card payments are accepted.
• Last registration is at 10.00 pm.
• Until called to march band members may wait in the Museum car park where food outlets, seating, and toilet facilities will be available.

• Marching & Performance Arrangements
• Competing bands will march along High Street from the Museum to the Hare & Hounds (approximately 150 metres). During this march, the Deportment Prizes and Most Entertaining Street March will be judged.
• All playing, including beating time, must cease at the Hare & Hounds.
• Bands will then turn left into St Mary’s Gate Car Park to wait until the band currently on stage has finished playing.
• The performance stage is elevated on the playing fields, allowing spectators to picnic around it. Steps are provided for stage access. Any band or individual who prefers to play on the grass is welcome to do so — please speak to a steward.
• The adjudicator will be positioned at the front of the stage, so bands should face forwards when performing.
• After playing, bands should exit the park via Wade Row to rejoin their coach.
• The final band of the evening will be invited to lead the National Anthem; music will be provided.
• Coaches should follow their band along High Street and wait where directed by the traffic stewards.
• Please refer to the printable Fact Sheet below for a summary of key information.

We’d love to welcome you to Uppermill, where enthusiastic audiences and a friendly atmosphere await.