Group Tour Operator and DMC for Lancashire

Travel to your hotel

Greatdays can suggest places to call into on the way to Rochdale.

Best of Brass – Delph Whit Friday Band Contest

This morning we travel to Portland Basin, where we visit the Portland Basin Museum and find out more about the history of
the basin and the three canals.

There is an optional lunch stop for soup and sandwiches at a local restaurant (supplement on request).

We arrive in the village of Delph, made famous for featuring in the film ‘Brassed Off’, at 3pm in time for the competition starting at 4pm. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Delph, and facilities available. The Church Hall in Delph can be used as a base for your group (supplement on request).

As the bands start to play guests may head to the official arena for the contest march on Gartside Street, whilst those who love the atmosphere of the often ‘zany’ street marches line King Street. We will return to the hotel at 7.30pm for dinner (please note the bands play until midnight – your group can choose to stay and we offer an alternative itinerary here). We suggest bringing a folding chair for your comfort as seating is limited.

Greatdays can advise on coach route and parking for the competition. There is no reserved seating available and it is an open-air all-weather event.

East Lancashire Railway and return home

After breakfast we travel to Bury Station to board a heritage steam train for a round trip on the East Lancs. Railway, dis-embarking briefly at Rawtenstall to watch the engine change ends. On our return to Bury there is time to explore the Bury Transport Museum. Groups with more time can call into the famous neighbouring Bury Market before returning home.