Stalybridge celebrates centenary of "Tipperary"

Press Release Date: 16 January 2012

Stalybridge is preparing to celebrate its place in musical history as birthplace to one of the most famous songs of all-time.

On Tuesday, 31 January, at 11am, the Tameside town will be marking the hundredth anniversary of the first public performance of “Long Way to Tipperary” which took place at the Grand Theatre, Corporation Street.

Among the guests will be Oldham councillor Bernard Judge, a descendant of Jack Judge who penned the song at the now demolished New Market Inn, Corporation Street, for a five shilling (25p) bet.

In a 1937 interview on the BBC’s north regional station, Jack Judge revealed: “Frank Newberry, in a jocular manner, bet me five shillings that I could not write an original song in 24 hours.

“On the way home, a lucky inspiration came. A man who had had a few drinks over the limit asked how far he had to go. I forgot the place he mentioned but I shall never forget the reply ‘It’s a long, long way . . .’

“Both my parents were Irish and my father was born in Tipperary. He often spoke of the place where he was born. So the word Tipperary was added. Having obtained the title, it was easy to imagine a homesick Irishman in London and so on.”

The song was later sung by music hall star Florrie Forde and then adopted by troops in the First World War, making it an international hit.

Cllr Eileen Shorrock, Chair of Stalybridge District Assembly, said: “Our town is immensely proud of being the birthplace of ‘Long Way to Tipperary’ and I’m immensely proud that I’ll be presiding over the centenary celebrations.

“I hope the weather’s kind to us and that lots of people will join in what should be a very special day.”

The event will start at 11am at the Jack Judge statue in front of Stalybridge Civic Hall, Trinity Street. There will be music from members of Stalybridge Band  – the world’s oldest, founded in 1809 – and singing by Year 6 pupils from St Peter’s RC Primary School, Stalybridge, and students from All Saints Catholic College, Dukinfield.

Cllr Shorrock will unveil a commemorative plaque on behalf of Stalybridge District Assembly and there will be a display outlining the song’s history in the civic hall.

Stalybridge is also connected to another famous First World War melody as it is twinned with the French town of Armentieres which is immortalised in “Mademoiselle from Armentieres”.

A plaque marking the fiftieth anniversary of “Tipperary” was unveiled by band leader and impresario Jack Hylton (the man who discovered Ernie Wise) in 1952. It was originally on the side of the New Market Inn, where the song was written, but is now further along Corporation Street.

Although the Grand Theatre no longer exists, its frontage remains on Corporation Street. The Jack Judge statue was unveiled in 2005.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Arts and Events Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 4144
0161 342 2300