Uppermill

Venue

Uppermill village centre

The de facto capital of Saddleworth. Hosts the massed bands Whit Friday church service in the morning and one of the most prestigious evening contests. The highest prize money in Saddleworth and the most coveted win. Established: 1884 (inaugural year). Approximately 60+ bands compete each year.

Prizes

£1,250 top prize

History

Contest traced to the very first Whit Friday event on 6 June 1884. The de facto capital of Saddleworth, Uppermill hosts the massed bands Whit Friday church service in the morning and one of the most prestigious evening contests. The morning begins with all villages walking to Uppermill for the massed bands service. The evening contest is the flagship event of the circuit. Notable recent winners: 2025 — Brighouse & Rastrick (Knight Templar) — £1,250 2024 — Brighouse & Rastrick (full set of firsts, ~£9,500 total) 2023 — Brighouse & Rastrick (hat-trick of overall wins)