From the first Whit Friday Marches in 1884, the event has grown in popularity and Sandbach's Foden's Band has been crowned champions again. 

On Friday (May 24th) over 100 brass bands took part in 20 different contests at venues scattered around the areas of Tameside and Saddleworth. 

At each venue, bands march to a central location where they perform a contest march which is judged by an adjudicator.

Foden's played the popular march 'The President' conducted by Michael Fowles. After this, the band members get back on their coach, travel to the next village where they repeat the same procedure again. 

The contests are open to all-comers, so the local youth bands get to match their skills against the UK's top bands.  

For the players, the dash from contest to contest makes for an exhilarating (though exhausting) evening, said a spokesperson from Foden's. 

"Thousands of spectators travel to Saddleworth and Tameside to watch was it commonly called 'the greatest free show in the world'. 

"Each contest offers prizes for the best band, best youth band, best soloists with each venue attracting between 50 - 70 bands.  

"Each contest is organised by local volunteers with the running costs and prize money being raised by local donations, sponsorship and fundraising events." 

At the end of the night (each contest has its own finish time which is usually around 11pm) the adjudicator announces the results.  

To qualify for the overall prize i.e. the Champion of Tameside or Saddleworth, bands must compete at a minimum of six venues and the band that has the best results takes the overall prize. 

This year, Foden's competed at all 10 venues in Tameside starting at 4pm and finishing at 11pm as well as competing in two venues in the Saddleworth Area.  

Foden's was crowned the 'Tameside Whit Friday Champions' for the 20th time in 21 year and in Tameside Foden's was placed 1st at eight venues and 2nd at two venues.