Leyland and other bands were left at the mercy of the worst weather conditions in memory at the annual Whit Friday March Contests (5th June 2009), but still racked up two wins as well as other significant placings. Competing in the Tameside events, Leyland scored victories at Denton and at Hurst Green. Leyland's trombones were judged the best of the night at Denton, and principal cornet Leon Renilson picked up the Best Soloist prize at the Stalybridge Celtic event where the Band also gained 2nd place. 3rd places were awarded to Leyland at Droylsden and Stalybridge, and a 4th place at Heyrod and 5th place at Carrbrook completed the set.



All the competing bands drew praise and gratitude from the event organisers for their fortitude in continuing to compete throughout the evening in driving rain and plummeting temperatures. Moving away from "The Wizard", Leyland's choice of march "Knight Templar" should have been renamed "Night Tempest" to more accurately reflect the adverse conditions!