Whit friday – 29th May 2026
April 2026
The 2026 Saddleworth Whit Friday Band Contest is fast approaching — this year it falls on Friday 29th May. If you’re new to Whit Friday and want to know what all the fuss is about, have a read of my main Whit Friday post for the full story. This post is a quick update for 2026 with what’s new and some practical tips if you’re heading to Saddleworth for the day.
What’s New for 2026
The lineup of eleven contest villages remains the same as recent years, so all the usual favourites are back: Delph, Denshaw, Diggle, Dobcross, Friezland, Greenfield, Grotton, Lees & Springhead, Lydgate, Scouthead & Austerlands, and Uppermill.
Dobcross has a couple of changes for 2026: they’ll be offering two sectional prizes per section, and — this is a first — the Dobcross contest will be livestreamed on YouTube. Great news if you can’t make it in person, or if you want to keep tabs on a contest you’re not physically at.
Oldham Council are once again providing support with road closures, first aid, community safety, and financial contributions to the prize funds. The prize money across the Saddleworth contests totals around £34,000, so there’s plenty at stake for the bands.
After their brilliant 5th place overall finish in 2025, keep an eye out for Chav Brass again this year. They seem to go from strength to strength, and a first prize has to be within their grasp soon. Brighouse and Rastrick will no doubt be looking to defend their title as overall winners from 2025.
Don’t Forget Tameside
While my main post focuses on the Saddleworth side, it’s worth knowing that Tameside runs its own circuit of eleven contests on the same evening, just over the hill. Confirmed venues for 2026 include Broadoak (Ashton-under-Lyne RUFC, from 4.30pm), Carrbrook (Castle Clough Car Park, from 4pm), Denton (Denton Cricket Club, from 4pm), Droylsden (The Bush Inn, from 4pm), Dukinfield Tame Valley (The Tame Valley Hotel, from 4pm), and Stalybridge (New Labour Club, from 4.15pm), with further contests at Heyrod, Hurst Village, Mossley and others. Most run until around 10.30–11pm. If you fancy a different flavour of the Whit Friday experience, the Tameside circuit is well worth exploring.
Tips for Visitors
If you’re coming to Saddleworth for the contest, here are a few things worth bearing in mind. The Whit walks take place on the morning of Whit Friday, with roads in many of the villages closed between around 9am and 12.30pm. They open briefly after the walks before closing again at about 3.30pm for the band contest itself. Check the official Saddleworth Whit Friday website and the Saddleworth Independent for detailed road closure plans.
My advice remains the same as ever: pick a village, find a good spot, and settle in for the evening rather than trying to chase the bands around. If you’re after my personal recommendation, the White Hart up at Lydgate is hard to beat — great food, excellent beer, and stunning views over Saddleworth while you listen to the bands. It’s about a 30-minute walk from Pots & Pans Cottage.
Speaking of which — Pots & Pans Cottage has already been booked for the Whit Friday weekend, but there are still plenty of dates available through 2026 and into 2027 if you fancy a visit to beautiful Saddleworth at another time. There are also other places to stay in the area if you’re set on coming for the contest — check Airbnb and Tripadvisor, but don’t hang about, they get snapped up quickly. There are some lovely log cabins and glamping pods available at Dovestones too.
However you spend your Whit Friday, I hope you have a fantastic time. It really is the greatest free show on Earth.
Cheers and Beers and Brass Bands!
Cliff
