THE SOUND of music filled the hills as talented musicians gathered for a special two-day Saddleworth Folk Weekend.
The event – a revival of the popular Saddleworth Folk Festival – saw audiences line up to see local, national and international artists at over 50 events in Uppermill.
There were also meet the artists sessions, workshops, presentations and singarounds as well as a craft fair.
Headlining at the Civic Hall were Oldham Tinkers, celebrating their 50th anniversary, while many acts also featured in the Open Mic event upstairs in the Commercial Pub.
And the popular ‘Wars of the Roses’ event saw teams from Lancashire and Yorkshire battle to win the coveted trophy – clinched this time by the white rose.
The weekend was made possible thanks to Festival Director Ali O’Brien and some money left to her by her aunt Elsie, who passed away last year.
Ali commented: “The Weekend was far better attended than we’d ever dreamed of. It went really well. There was an atmosphere of fun, laughter, friendship and caring.
“I’m just exhausted, but still reliving every wonderful moment of a fantastic weekend.
“There was a great diversity of artists – young and old, traditional and contemporary, local and national – it would be extremely difficult to pick out any favourites.”
She added: “One of my highlights was the weather! At the original festival visitors changed the name Saddleworth to Puddleworth!
“Also a highlight was the fantastic craft fair in the safe hands of Pam Alderton from Glossop. Some people said it was the best one they’d ever been to.
“And I loved seeing all my old friends again. The folk world is like a large extended family.”
Ali was delighted with feedback from visitors, which included “congratulations on such a fabulous festival”, “what a privilege to come here again” and “one of the best”.
And she is already planning future events, with the 2016 dates set as July 15-17 – which was met by a cheer when announced in the Civic Hall.
Ali added: “Thank you to everyone working at the Festival. All of them offered to do more if I needed and went the extra mile for me.”
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