Whit Friday
Whit Friday, meaning "white Friday", is the name given to the first Friday after Pentecost or Whitsun (White Sunday).
| Whit Friday | |
|---|---|
The 2010 Whit walks in Manchester on Cross Street showing the banner and clergy from Manchester Cathedral. | |
| Observed by | North West England |
| Type | Christian, Public |
| Observances | Processions, Parades, Brass Band Contests |
| Begins | 1st Friday After Whit Sunday |
| Date | Ordinary Time |
| 2022 date | 10 June |
| 2023 date | 2 June |
| 2024 date | 24 May |
| 2025 date | 13 June |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Whit Tuesday, Trinity Sunday |
The day has a cultural significance in North West England, as the date on which the annual Whit Walks are traditionally held. By convention, the Whit Walks coincide with brass band contests, held in Saddleworth, Oldham, Tameside and other outlying areas of Greater Manchester. Traditionally, children and their supporters from Anglican Sunday Schools 'walked' on Whit Monday, those from RC Sunday Schools on Whit Friday, and there was an element of competition in general display, dresses and banners. Outside Manchester city centre, other Sunday Schools walked on Whit Sunday and in surrounding towns on other days during (or in the weeks following) Whit Week. This period marked the height of their year's activities for many local brass bands.