Wardle Academy Youth Band retain Whit Friday Youth Champions title

Wardle Academy Youth Band at the Whit Walks

Wardle Academy Youth Band took five first place prizes at the annual Whit Friday Brass Band competitions in Saddleworth on Friday 20 May and retained their title as Whit Friday Saddleworth Youth Champions.

The Youth Band, directed by Sean Conway, entered six competitions, winning an impressive five first place prizes at Uppermill, Greenfield, Dobcross, Lydgate, Denshaw, and one second place at Diggle.

Their impressive performances also secured them the deportment prize at Lydgate and the best soprano and euphonium section prize at Dobcross.

The Junior Blast band, directed by Lee Rigg and made up of 40 Year 3-6 primary school children, played at four contests - Delph, Denshaw, Dobcross and Uppermill.  

A spokesperson said: "This was a great experience for the young band members and they were delighted to return home with the youth deportment prize from Uppermill.

"An on looker described the band as ‘mind blowing’, adding ‘this is an incredible sound for kids so young and the response from the crowd says it all.”

The Intermediate Band also took part in the Whit walks during the morning in Mossley,
Julie Morris, Director of Music, said: “We are extremely proud of all the students that took part. It was a difficult evening due to the heavy rain but the bands continued to perform to the best of their ability.

"Junior Blast got a fantastic reception from the crowds and the Youth Band’s achievement over the evening is outstanding.

"The band will now have a well-earned rest over half term before they begin working towards their next big competition at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.”