Whit Friday, June 1st 2007. A lovely sunny day in North West England. The type of day to finish work early and partake in a few beers in a country pub, or to spend a few hours in the garden before stoking up the barbeque.

Not if you play in a brass band!  This particular  Friday of the year is set aside for one of the greatest brass banding events of the year, the annual march contest in the regions of Saddleworth and Tameside.

So  Flixton Band set off on this glorious afternoon to join the multitude of bands from around the country ( and from other countries)  congregating in and gridlocking the villages up t'hills hosting the events. 

The band managed to fit in 6 venues this year as follows:  Greenacres,Scouthead, Lydgate, Freizland, Greenfields, and Denton.

It was very nearly only 5 venues, as at the last minute (just as most of the band had gone to the bar) it was decided to compete at Denton despite the lateness of time (past 12 midnight!).

The night was a great success for Flixton Band. Firstly they won the contest prize at Friezland and came 2nd at Greenacres. Also, it was a relatively relaxed evening, which everyone enjoyed (alcopops included!) and although it was very tiring , it is definitely in the band calendar for next year.

A great night - it didn't rain, a couple of prizes were won and chances to sample the different delicacies of each village (burgers, chips, steak sandwiches) . What more could anyone ask for?