Beer walkers step out across Saddleworth to keep tradition alive

THEY came in all shapes and sizes wearing costumes and make-up from the hilarious to the bizarre…

But all the fun-loving entrants had just one mission: to keep the spirit of the legendary and much-cherished Beer Walk alive.

This year Justin Brown, 49, and his sister Angie, 33, who owns a Greenfield hair salon, launched the seventh ‘unofficial’ beer walk from Greenfield’s satellite centre.

They were joined by groups of followers who, after fortifying themselves with bacon butties, set off on a challenging 11-mile hike across Saddleworth’s villages.

Some entrants collected money for specific charities and others, including ‘veterans’ from the original Beer Walk, renewed friendships with walkers from previous treks.

Justin, who owns a kitchen fitting business, said: “We had an excellent turn out and everyone really get on well with each other.

“It’s more like a family gathering than a walk,” he declared. “And we all really set out to enjoy ourselves.

“Overall, this year’s event, backed by stunning weather, was a great success. We had lots of smiles and support from locals, many of whom, over the years, had taken part themselves.”

Veteran beer walker Billy Lamb, who wore an original beer walk t-shirt, said: “The event is part of Saddleworth folklore and everyone really enjoys the day.”

The youngest ‘entrant’ was 18-months-old Isabelle Ransom, accompanied by her parents and friends, dressed as ballerinas – nicknamed beer-erinas. They collected £330 for a cancer research charity.

Others in costumes, many homemade, ranged from characters from TV’s Dads Army to blockbuster films including Star Wars and Toy Story.

The original walk was organised by Saddleworth Round Table and raised hundreds of thousand of pounds for worthy community causes before being scrapped because of problems.