A Whit Friday to remember

It may not have started well. Closure of the M56 left Matt, our conductor, still on his way to Saddleworth as we took to the stage in Grotton. Will’s first experience of Whit Friday was conducting rather than playing. Well done, Will!

By the time we played at Lydgate, our second village, band and conductor were re-united. The serious part of the day could get underway. For the first time anyone could remember we managed to get around all 10 Saddleworth villages performing The Wizard. Although not in the prizes, we consistently placed well and ended the night 19th overall among the 107 bands who competed on the night.

The sun was out and so were the crowds. People were ready to be entertained after the pandemic lockdowns of recent years. We had them quite literally dancing in the streets at every village.

Next stop Kirkrade and the World Music Festival in a few weeks’ time.