Welcome to Whit Friday in Uppermill
- Church Whit Walk Processions converge on Uppermill from 9.00 am accompanied by brass bands.
- A United Service is held on the King George V Playing Fields between 11.00 am and 12.00 midday.
- Band Contest Start Time: 4.00 pm
- Location: Band March starts on High Street by Saddleworth Museum OL3 6HS, Contest Stage – King George V Playing Fields, Uppermill, OL3 6AT
- Contact: Uppermill contest
- Disabled Access: Wheelchair access is available along much of the contest route, with excellent access around the playing fields. Disabled toilets can be found in the Museum Car Park, the King George V Car Park, and at The Waggon Inn on High Street.
Band Contest & Transport Arrangements
The wonderful band contest atmosphere builds through the afternoon and into the evening.
- Band Contest start: 4.00pm
- Coaches park beforehand on Oldham Road and High Street near the Museum
- Last band registration: 10.00pm
Road closures:
- High Street closed: 4.00pm – midnight
- A two-way diversion is in place between Bridge Street and New Street for smaller vehicles
- Residents will have needed to apply for a Resident’s Permit to allow access to the closed streets
Spectator shuttle buses:
- Shuttle bus service from Grotton, passing close to:
- Lydgate contest
- Friezland contest
- Greenfield contest
- Uppermill contest:
The Street March Through the Village
Competing bands march along High Street, from the Museum to the Hare & Hounds, entertaining spectators and impressing the deportment judge.
- The pavements are lined with cheering crowds
- Each band is led by a contest volunteer carrying a board with the band’s name
The Contest Performances
After the march, bands make their way to King George V Playing Fields via St Mary’s Gate Car Park where they will play their contest piece for the adjudicator, who can hear them but not see them, so judge by sound alone.
- Performances take place on an elevated stage
- Spectators are welcome to picnic on the grass while listening
- Programmes available: £3.00
