Lydgate prepares to play birthday tune

LYDGATE Band Contest proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Lydgate held its first band contest on May 23, 1975 after urging from local enthusiast Jeff Lees, who became chairman then president of the contest committee and played a major part in organising the event until Ill-health forced him to step down in the early Nineties.

The first contest was held in the grounds of the White Hart, Stockport Road and 31 bands played.

The contest has been going strong every year in the same spot since.

Ian Crickett, secretary of the 2015 Lydgate Band Contest Committee, said: “Our sincere thanks are due to all those people over the years who have continued the hard work of the original committee in keeping this wonderful event alive. Long may it continue.”

Jennifer Greenwood, chair of the Love Lydgate group, said: “Congratulations and happy birthday to Lydgate Band Contest. Forty fabulous years — what an amazing record.”