Police Warning Over Whit Friday Contests

The Dobcross Youth Band on Whit Friday last year.

The borough’s most senior police officer has said his team is prepared to act “robustly” to prevent drunken yobs tarnishing this week’s Whit Friday band contests.

Last year, there were 27 arrests on the day, many of them alcohol-related.

People coming in to Saddleworth from outside have been blamed for causing problems in the past, along with underage drinkers who have obtained booze illegally.

Chief Superintendent Tim Forber said: “We want people to enjoy themselves but also ensure they do not come to any harm.”

In a statement, he warned: “People are also reminded that we will not tolerate bad behaviour and will act robustly if necessary. It is also a reminder that it is illegal to purchase for, or sell alcohol to, people under the age of 18. Police and Trading Standards officers will be visiting licensed premises to ensure the law is being adhered to.”

He also offered this advice: “Alcohol can impair decision-making and people should avoid drinking to excess. Please also keep your personal belongings secure and stay with groups of friends. Always arrange how to get home safely by avoiding travelling alone and use a licensed taxi or designate a group member as a driver.”

The Oldham (Lees) Band in action in Dobcross last year.

This year, professional stewards paid for by Oldham Council will help the traditional groups of volunteers organise crowds, the bands and their coaches.

That follows last year’s tragedy when a spectator was knocked over and killed on Chew Valley Road in Greenfield. It’s hoped the new stewards will allow the police to focus on preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Chairman of the organisers, Bob Rodgers, said: “We are looking forward to the event being a success and want people to come and enjoy themselves, but also to behave responsibly.”

He added: “The committee is grateful to Oldham Council for its support and also the local District Partnership for providing the necessary stewarding.”

In the same joint statement issued via the council, the new Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Jean Stretton, commented: “Our message to anyone attending is simply to have fun, but also to respect the local environment and residents. Please ensure that any young people in your care behave responsibly, for example, and use the bins provided for your litter.”

About 135 bands are expected to take part on Friday, as a dozen contests take place across Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham, with a further 11 in Tameside. Because Whit Friday falls so close to the longest day this year, some of the contests will be going on a little later into the night than usual, with Scouthead and Austerlands not scheduled to finish until 11pm.

You can get a lot more information about the contests from the official website here and from a 4 Bars Rest preview here, which also includes contact details for the organisers of each of the individual contests.

More articles about Whit Friday from Saddleworth News can be read here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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