Whitsun (also Whitsunday or Whit Sunday) is the name used among Anglican and Methodist traditions for the Christian holy day of Pentecost. It falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Whit Monday, the day after Whitsun, remained a holiday in Britain until 1972, the ruling Conservative Government decided to permanently replace it with a Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May.

The Manchester Whit Walks are a tradition dating back to 1821 when there was a procession of children from Manchester to commemorate the coronation of George IV. By convention, the Whit Walks coincide with brass band contests, held in Saddleworth, Oldham, Tameside and other outlying areas of Greater Manchester.