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Tameside tunes up for the annual Whit Friday Brass Band Contests.
Tameside is set to come alive with the unmistakable sound of brass as residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a spectacular afternoon and evening of live music at this year’s Whit Friday Brass Band Contests.
On Friday 29 May, towns and villages across the borough will echo with music as bands from across the country – and beyond – descend on Tameside to take part in this much loved annual tradition. In total, 11 contests will be hosted across the area, each organised by dedicated volunteer teams and offering a warm, welcoming community atmosphere.
Often hailed as “the greatest free show on earth”, Whit Friday is a tradition that dates back to the 1870s, celebrating Tameside’s rich cultural heritage and its proud brass band roots. The contests showcase incredible musical talent while bringing communities together for an unforgettable shared experience.
All performances are free to attend, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy world class music on your doorstep. The events are made possible by passionate volunteers working together under the banner of the Friends of Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Contest, whose commitment keeps this historic tradition alive year after year
Broadoak Contest – 4:30pm-11pm
Ashton Rugby Club, Ashton-under-Lyne, St Albans Avenue, Gambrel Bank, OL6 8TU
Carrbrook Contest – 4pm-10.30 pm
Castle Clough Car Park, Carr Rose, Stalybridge, SK15 3NY
Denton Contest – 4pm-11:15pm
Denton Cricket Club, Egerton Street, M34 3PB
Droylsden Contest – 4pm-11.00pm
The Bush Inn, 120 Moorside Street, M43 7HL
Dukinfield Tame Valley Contest – 4pm-11.00pm
The Tame Valley Hotel, Park Road, SK16 5LX
Heyrod Contest - 4:30pm-11pm
Village Hall, John Street, SK15 3BW
Hurst Village Contest – 4:30pm-10.00pm
Ashton United FC, Surrey Street, OL6 8DY
Hyde Central Contest - 4pm-10pm
Hyde Market Ground, Market St, SK14 1HL
Top Mossley Contest – 4:00pm-11:30pm
Mossley AFC, Seel Park, OL5 0ES
Stalybridge Celtic Contest – 4pm-11pm
Stalybridge Celtic FC, Mottram Road, SK15 2RT
Stalybridge New Labour Club Contest – 4:00pm-10:30pm
The New Stalybridge Labour Club, Acres Lane, SK15 2EG
Dates & Times
Friday 29th May 2026
For specific contest times see above
FAQs
