The GUS Band is polishing its marching boots in preparation for two world-famous contests, both of which require the band to march. Firstly, on Friday 29th May, the GUS Band are travelling north to Saddleworth and Oldham to compete in the Whit Friday Band Contest. There are eleven villages, including Delph, Dobcross and Uppermill that each hold a contest during the Friday evening and the aim for the band is to compete at as many as possible before the end of the evening. At each contest the band will play a traditional contest march but before doing so will need to march through the village to where the contest is being held, for example on the village green or local park.

Not traditionally a marching band, this will provide GUS with good experience ready for travelling south to compete in the Bugle Band Contest in Cornwall on 20th June. Again, the band will be required to march down to the contest field before playing this time a test piece, English Heritage, (George Lloyd) and a newly commissioned march, Molinnis Park, (Paul Saggers). Time for some marching practice!