Group Tour Operator and DMC for Lancashire
Best of Brass – ‘The Greatest Free Show on Earth’ – NEW & IMPROVED ITINERARY
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Delph Whit Friday Band Contest, Lancashire - Brighouse and Rastrick
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Delph Whit Friday Band Contest, Lancashire
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East Lancashire Railway, Bury ©Liam Barnes
Enjoy the ‘Best of Brass’ on this new group tour. Every year, on the afternoon and evening of Whit Friday, the Saddleworth and District Whit Friday Brass Band Contest take place to the delight of the crowds that gather to watch. Held annually since 1884, it is often described as ‘the greatest free show on earth’. Hundreds of brass bands participate in contests held in the open air at the 11 participating picturesque moorland villages and towns, including the village of Delph which holds the Delph Whit Friday Band Contest. On this trip you also have the opportunity to explore the golden age of steam on the East Lancashire Railway before returning home.
Dates
28th May 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Thursday
Travel to your hotel
Greatdays can suggest places to call into on the way to Rochdale.
Friday
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.
Saturday
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.
Featured hotels
Mercure Dunkenhalgh ****
The 4-star Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa is a 700-year old country manor. Mercure boasts an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant. Rooms are en suite with baths and showers, they also come with satellite TVs and radios. There are tea/coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi is available. There is private parking on-site. The chargeable Spa Naturel & Leisure centre offers a heated swimming pool. There is also a fully equipped gymnasium, beauty and massage treatments.
Hampton by Hilton Rochdale ***
The 3 star Hampton By Hilton Rochdale is located in the town centre. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. All guest rooms in the hotel come with en suite facilities, flat-screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities, an iron/ironing board and a laptop size safe.
| Dates | Hotel |
3 days / 2 nights |
| 28th May 2026 | Hampton by Hilton Rochdale *SOLD* | From £149.00 per person |
| 28th May 2026 | Mercure Dunkenhalgh *SOLD* | From £192.00 per person |
