Last Friday, churches from across Saddleworth came together in a display of faith and community spirit for the annual Whit Friday Walk of Witness. The day’s celebrations culminated in the world-renowned Saddleworth and Oldham Whit Friday Band Contests, drawing crowds and competitors from near and far.
The morning began with churches proudly parading their banners through their villages, each accompanied by village brass bands. Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, joined clergy and parishioners from St Mary’s, Greenfield, for this special day. This year, 11 local villages took part in the event: Delph, Diggle, Denshaw, Dobcross, Friezland, Greenfield, Grotton, Lees and Springhead, Lydgate, Scouthead and Austerlands, and Uppermill.
In the June sunshine, supporters lined the streets to cheer on the processions and enjoy the brass bands, which continued playing into the evening. Many bands had travelled from across the country to perform, with some coming from as far afield as Norway, America and even Australia to take part in the prestigious contest.
Reflecting on the day, Bishop Mark said, “It is such a wonderful tradition across Saddleworth & Mossley, and great to see lots of people joining in. It was good to walk with St Mary’s in their 150th anniversary year. Brass bands, sunshine & the Church out on the streets, joyful and confident in showing the love of the Lord Jesus.”