FUN-LOVING fundraisers delighted rail passengers when they took their very own band with them on a charity outing.
A squad of Saddleworth Round Table members boarded a train at Greenfield to pre-promote a spectacular Sadd Fest 14 music festival which will be staged on Saturday, August 30.
Billed as ‘The Great Rock and Rail Trail’, the team were accompanied by singer-guitarist Paddy O’Hare, Anthony Kinsey, the show’s musical director and leader of the band Schwing, and his bass player Danny Preston.
For more than six hours the team toured popular pubs on the train route, including The Head of Steam in Huddersfield, Stalybridge’s legendary Buffet Bar, The Britannia at Mossley and The Railway in Greenfield.
Dave MacDougall, chair of Sadd Fest 14, said: “We had an absolutely superb day going round the pubs on the ale trail.
“The band was a huge hit with rail travellers and we included songs and music every mile of the journey between each stop.
“All the pubs said they really enjoyed the music and thanked us for entertaining their locals.
“We didn’t have permission to play at Huddersfield station,” said Dave. “However, once we explained we were raising money for a charity event, we were allowed to proceed.
“In fact, staff at The Head of Steam are putting in a team at Sadd Fest as they love live music – and love Saddleworth.
“The feedback from people both in and out of the area is they are looking forward to the music and the day in beautiful surroundings.”
The team were delayed on their return ourney but the musicians filled the interlude with a medley of tunes which had passengers joining in a sing-a-long.
Dave added: “Sadd fFst 14 is creating a real buzz and the ticket sales are going great, including VIP tent sales.
“We are having another ale trail promotion on August 23, just a week before the festival, to back up the success of our first trip where we sold many tickets.”
Sadd Fest 14 will be held at Saddleworth Rangers rugby ground, Shaw Hall Bank Road in Greenfield, from 1pm to 8pm on Saturday, August 30.
The White Hart at Lydgate and The Old Bell Inn at Delph and the Farrars Arms in Grasscroft are confirmed as headline sponsors, with other supporters including Owl Marketing, Videcon and Northwood Property Services.
The open-air festival underpins the Round Table¹s community-wide Christmas party for the elderly and the spectacular Winter Wonderland, a magical Yuletide scene-setter in Uppermill.
An adult ticket will be just £15 and children have free entrance. For tickets visit www.saddfest.co.uk or contact Dave MacDougall on 07792 777777.
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