Whitsun Wakes was commissioned by the BBC and first performed by Black Dyke Band, conducted by James Watson, in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on 26th May, 1997 as part of the BBC's 'Music Live' Festival. It was subsequently selected as a test piece for the British Open Championship which was scheduled to be held on 6th September 1997 at Birmingham's Symphony Hall. Unfortunately this was the day of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and so the British Open was postponed until 17th January, 1998. However the greatest irony is the fact that although this piece takes its inspiration from the Manchester area it was destined to be played at the first British Open Championship to take place outside Manchester.
