The time: 5.20 pm; the place: Uppermill’s main street in the Saddleworth area. People are beginning to gather on the pavements; two or three groups of policemen are also in evidence. A coach approaches from the direction of Delph, slows down and turns into the street which leads to the Civic Hall: the band of British Airways has arrived. Last year they were first to arrive; this year they have been pipped by a local band, Holme Silver, who last year were forty-seventh!

5.30 pm and the sound of the first bass drum is heard; Holme Silver march off up the street towards the local park. Minutes later they are in the railed-off area and hearing the announcement, "Welcome to the Uppermill Whit Friday March Contest. Number one band will play ‘Senator’." Having completed their task, away go the band onto their coach and off to the next village – for there are contests taking place in villages all over the area.

British Airways play second, followed by Boarshurst, Mossley and Dobcross – immaculate as ever. The wiseacres are already tipping them to win a few deportment prizes, and their version of ‘Senator’ was much more assured. The first junior band, Mossley Hollins School, play sixth; bands 8 and 9 both play ‘Ravensood’; 13 play ‘Senator’ (for the third time); 14 and 15 play a real oldie ‘O.R.B.’ (composed for the Oldham Rifle Brigade). The latter – Rochdale Wilsons’ Band – is arguably the best performance to date. None of the really big names as yet, but there’s plenty of time.

It is very warm and thirsty work just listening! So back to the main street where pavements are packed and traffic queues in each direction. The Brighouse coach is just pulling in. The pubs are mad busy but service is superb since glass AND contents are sold on this night! Outside again, another band plays off up the street, once more traffic is let loose.

The Milnrow Band’s coach stops: "How many waiting?" "Four". "Right lads, next stop."

And away they go as number 21 Tintwistle belt out ‘Roll away Bet’. At the last, the solo cornet duffed a late note. Fairey leave, and Brighouse and Rastrick – resplendent in purple Guards-style uniforms – play ‘Ravenswood’, and this time it really is played This combination has won the Open Section for the past two years, and it looks like a hat-trick is on.

More bands, more marches; the ground is beginning to get hard and some of the playing is not what it might be, but it’s Whit Friday and taking part is what really matters. In the tent in the arena the unknown adjudicator listens, marks and sweats. ‘Ravenswood’ for the fifth time; ‘Senator’ for the fifth; then it’s ‘Ravenswood’ again. At almost ten o’clock, the biggest cheer of the night! Tiny figures in blue pullovers march into the arena and band number 43 plays ‘Punchinello’, not by any means perfectly, but what a roar at the end!! This was Uppermill Brass (last year they called themselves ‘junior’) and most of the players were no taller than a Bb bass.

The street lights are on and it’s almost dark; thunder rolls, and lightning begins to flash over the hills. It’s now 10.20 pm. Band number 46, Wardle High School, enter the arena and is announced as the last band to sign in – 10 pm being the deadline. They give a splendid performance of ‘Castell Goch’ and are asked to play again whilst the adjudicator’s findings are sorted out. To a well-earned ovation, he eventually emerges and the results are announced. In point of fact no one is unduly bothered about them! But there are the usual "Oohs" and "Aahs" For the record, Dobcross pick up firsts in deportment and local band sections; the last band Wardle High, wins the junior section. And the Open? Well, who else!! Fairey second; Brighouse first.

(Make a note: Friday 24^th May is this year’s date)