Uppermill Whit Friday Band Contest

10/06/2026

UPDATE!!!
Our missing raffle ticket winner has been found. Matthew lives locally in Greenfield and his Mum was very happy to accept the hamper on his behalf. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket this year!

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

A huge thank you to all the bands who travelled to Uppermill and entertained our fantastic crowds throughout the evening. Your performances made it another memorable Whit Friday.
Thank you also for your patience. With around 160 band coaches on Saddleworth's roads, delays were inevitable, and we appreciate everyone's understanding.
Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi network quickly became overwhelmed, which meant we were unable to provide live streaming, process card payments, or even contact fellow volunteers for updates. But then again, does a Whit Friday ever go completely to plan?
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who supports the contest year after year – the bands, volunteers, sponsors, residents, and visitors who make the event such a success.
We have some amazing photos to share over the coming weeks, but first and most importantly... THE UPPERMILL RESULTS!

30/05/2026

RAFFLE PRIZE
This afternoon, 30th May 2026, Councillor Pam Byrne alongside Jacinta Bowie, representing our major sponsor The Waggon Inn, drew the winning raffle ticket for our Hamper.

The winning strip was:
Blue Tickets nos. 256-260

Unfortunately when we rang to congratulate our lucky winner we were unable to reach him as the number on the back of the ticket is incorrect.

Are you Matthew?
Do you recognise part of the number?
Check your raffle tickets; you might be our lucky winner?
Do you know from the number who Matthew might be?
It’s a local number. Please help us to find Matthew?
Did you buy your ticket in Tesco, Greenfield 16th May or on Whit Friday on King George V Playing Fields?

Please contact us via our page or alternatively contact our Uppermill Band Contest Committee Secretary:
pam.armstrong@ btinternet.com

29/05/2026

In addition to the morning closures for the Whit Processions today, High Street in Uppermill will be closed from 4 pm to midnight for the Band Contest. There will be a diversion utilising Bridge Street, Carr Lane, Rush Hill Road, Grove Road, Station Road, Village Green and out at New Street then vice versa. This year we are trying to ease the congestion along these roads by coning off areas to allow cars to pass more easily. It's the first year of trying to make it less stressful for everyone so appreciate the patience of the residents. Thank you.

27/05/2026

Announcing Live Streaming from Uppermill. Can’t make it to the live event on Friday? You can still enjoy all the excitement of the Uppermill Whit Friday Band Contests 2026 from wherever you are with our live streams!
Broadcasting live from High Street and King George V Playing Fields in Uppermill, join us for an unforgettable evening of brass band music featuring local, national and international bands — from professionals and amateurs to scratch and youth bands — all competing for Whit Friday glory and entertaining the crowds along the way.
Watch the Street Marches along High Street
Bands will be judged on deportment as well as competing for the coveted “Most Entertaining Band” award:
https://youtube.com/live/2nLypm4jITQ?feature=share

Watch the Stage Performances
Our adjudicator faces the difficult task of choosing the prize winners from an incredible line-up of experienced bands:
https://youtube.com/live/nqQOXk6FoQI?feature=share

Please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel: UppermillWhitFriday
https://www.youtube.com/
Help us reach 1,000 subscribers so we can continue providing uninterrupted live coverage of this fantastic tradition!

27/05/2026

Great news for people wishing to travel to Uppermill for the Band Contest on Friday. TfGM have again organised a shuttle bus service from Grotton to Uppermill and return and are running it every 20 minutes this year. It was really popular last year. So please come and experience the amazing Uppermill Street Marches and Stage Performances, and leave the car at home! Hope to see you on Friday!

21/05/2026

We were overwhelmed by the amazing support shown by the customers of Tesco Greenfield for the Whit Friday Band Contests. A huge thank you to Heidi, Rashie, and all the team for welcoming us and helping us meet so many wonderful people whose kindness and generosity meant so much. Tesco also kindly made a donation towards our expenses, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you all for your fantastic support. Just a week of great weather to go now!