From the first Whit Friday Marches in 1884, the event has grown in popularity. On Friday 29th May over 160 brass bands participated in twenty different contests at venues scattered around the areas of Tameside and Saddleworth. At each venue, bands march to a central location where they perform a contest march which is judged by an adjudicator. Foden's played the popular march 'The President' conducted by Michael Fowles. After this the band members get back on their coach, travel to the next village where they repeat the same procedure again! The contests are open to all-comers, so the local youth bands get to match their skills against the UK's top bands. For the players, the dash from contest to contest makes for an exhilarating (though exhausting) evening. Thousands of spectators travel to Saddleworth and Tameside to watch was it commonly called 'the greatest free show in the world'. Each contest offers prizes for the best band, best youth band, best soloists with each venue attracting between 50 - 70 bands. Each contest is organised by local volunteers with the running costs and prize money being raised by local donations, sponsorship and fund-raising events. At the end of the night (each contest has its own finish time which is usually around 11pm) the adjudicator announces the results. To qualify for the overall prize i.e. the Champion of Tameside or Saddleworth, bands must compete at a minimum of 6 venues and the band that has the best results takes the overall prize. This year Foden's competed at all 11 venues in Tameside starting at 4pm. Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the 'Tameside Whit Friday Champions' for the 23rd time in 24 years. In Tameside Foden's were placed 1st at 6 venues as well as receiving two second places and a third

Tickets are now on sale for the band's return visit to the beautiful St Mary's Church in Stafford - Last years event was sold out so please book early to avoid disappointment! St Mary’s Church, Stafford Saturday 4th July 7:00pm Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.com/st-marys-festival/fodens-band/e-emrkgg

Last weekend Michael Fowles and the Foden's team lead a training day at Bromsgrove School organised by the Wychavon Festival of Brass The day consisted of full and sectional rehearsals, a Question and Answers session followed by a short concert for parents. Music performed included - The March ‘Home Again’ ‘Little Prayer’ and ‘The Journal of Phileas Fogg’ Thank you to everyone who attended!!

Foden's are looking forward to welcoming the fantastic Oslofjord Band (from Norway) this June, as they join the band on stage alongside the talented Foden's Youth Band! Each band will perform a short concert before coming together for a number of exciting joint items! Sandbach School, Crewe Rd, Sandbach 28th June 2:00pm Pay on the door (Free admission to under 18’s) This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of brass music and friendship!

Looking forward to travelling to Wolverhampton to appear at - Venue: St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton Date: 20th June Start Time: 7:00pm Tickets : via attached flyer We are extremely grateful to the 'Richardson Brothers Foundation' for kindly sponsoring the concert

Sandbach Council are delighted to announce the return of 'Party in the Park' which once again features Foden's The event takes place on the 13 th June - Sandbach Park between 3pm - 8pm (with gates opening at 2pm) Further info - www.sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ Event link: https://fb.me/e/599lQOVOZ How to get your tickets (by Monday 8th June) - Tickets are available from the Town Hall office (card payments only), or through the Council website: www.sandbach.gov.uk/event-tickets/ £12.50 adults (16+) £5 children (2-16) Family ticket £30 (2 adults & 2 children) Under 2’s go free (Please note that tickets will not be sold on the gate and must be bought in advance)

The band had an productive couple of days in the recording studio last weekend recording not one, but TWO CDs for release later this year! The recording was undertaken by World of Brass and included a Tuba Concerto with the phenomenal Ross Knight. Thanks to Paul Hindmarsh for coordinating both projects which also sees Foden's return to the studio shortly to complete the project

Foden's have been busy in the recording studio recently, which gave them the opportunity to use some of their fantastic equipment from Adams Percussion

Where to see the band in action! 7/6 - Elgar International Festival of Brass - https://www.eifob.org.uk/ 13/6 - Sandbach Park - https://sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/ 19/6 - Victoria Hall, Hanley - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens 20/6 - St Regis Academy, Wolverhampton - admin@stregisacademy.org 28/6 - Sandbach School with Foden's Youth and Oslofjord Brass (Pay on the door) 4/7 - @St Mary's Church, Stafford - https://www.ticketsource.com/st.../fodens-band/e-emrkgg 11/7 - Congleton Town Hall (With Matt Ford - https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens