Thousands of people will line the streets for a celebration of brass band music.

More than a hundred bands will compete against each other later at 21 venues across towns and villages in Tameside and Saddleworth in Greater Manchester.

The contests are a tradition which date back around 150 years.

The competitions are linked to local churches, which organise walks on Whit Friday, with a brass band leading the procession.

In Tameside, the contests are taking place at 10 venues including in Denton, Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, Dukinfield and Hyde.

In Saddleworth, there are 11 venues including the villages of Dobcross, Diggle, Uppermill and Delph.

Bands travel between each venue, competing for cash prizes – often of more than £1000 for each contest.

The brass band contests are often described as ”the greatest free show on Earth”.

They are open to all-comers, so the local youth bands get to match their skills against the top bands in the country.

The judges sit with their backs to the stage, often in caravans, so the bands only get scored on the music they perform.

The competitors dash from contest to contest with their instruments – performing in front of thousands of spectators.

Saddleworth & Oldham Whit Friday Band Contests
Tameside Whit Friday Brass Band Contest
Delph Whit Friday Band Contest