The Yanks return to Saddleworth for annual spectacle

WARTIME FUN and fashion filled Saddleworth as the Yanks returned to Saddleworth for their annual spectacle.

Locals and visitors from far and wide filled the villages to enjoy the event, now in its 16^th year to celebrate the filming of 1979 Hollywood movie ‘Yanks’ in the area.

An unforgettable line-up of military and classic cars was on show at the ‘Yanks Camp’ at Saddleworth School, set up by WW2Events.co.uk.

There was also wartime entertainment, an assault course, period stalls, an engine display, a 1940’s Tea Room and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

And the hills echoed with the sounds of war as Spitfire flew by especially for the occasion.

Joelle, Lorraine, Heather, Bob and John at The Waggon

Vintage songbirds ‘Misfit Sugar Dames’ Merrilyn Greer, Tania Pais Monteiro and Catherine Hearne in Dobcross

Ddancers Celia Hall and Tessa Spalding, saxophonist Katie Lane and two of the NAAFI Café volunteers Cath Fletcher and Roger Wolfenden

Lucy Ireland and Katie Oldham at the Vintage Cupcake Kitchen

Karen Owen, Dianne Burns, Deborah Simms, Anita Longsden and Debbie Astley at Dobcross

At the Civic Hall, a Wartime Tea Dance with the Backstep Boogie Club got guests on their feet while others enjoyed period films at the Wartime Cinema.

And the popular Victory Swing Ball raised the roof in the evening, with Sticky Wicket and his swing orchestra topping the bill.

More entertainment thrilled guests across the area, including ‘The Misfit Sugar Dames’ at the Swan Inn in Dobcross, and Maria Manchester at Uppermill Conservative Club.

A mouth-watering ‘Burger Bunker’ was hosted by the Road Wizard MCC at the Hare and Hounds pub in Uppermill in aid of The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association.

And a delicious selection of cakes and coffee served up at the annual ‘NAAFI Café’ run by volunteers from the Sacred Heart and St Chad’s Church Whit Friday Committee helped to raise funds for the 2016 procession.

The second day of celebrations started with a traditional coffee morning hosted by the Mayor of Oldham for the Normandy Veterans at Betty’s Fish and Chip Shop on Uppermill High Street.

Then the Military Parade and Convoy saw hundreds of vehicles – from tanks and jeeps to vintage cars – pass through Uppermill and surrounding areas.