Yanks are back in town - Saddleworth Independent

THE usual Yanks Weekend events and parade may have been cancelled – but that didn’t stop locals getting into the 1940s war-time spirit.

The weekend was inspired by the iconic film ‘Yanks’ starring Richard Gere and Lisa Eichhorn, with parts filmed in Saddleworth and Tameside.

Pictures by Carl Royle

The official Yanks Weekend, organised by Paul ‘Dogtags’ Higginson and a team of volunteers, was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then in 2021 due to ‘lack of funding’.

And organisers said financial restraints and the move of their base, Saddleworth School, to Diggle meant they could not put on their usual celebrations again this year.

However, local businesses and groups put on a variety of events and entertainment over three days, with many turning up in period dress to get in the spirit of the occasion.

Pictures by Trevor Baxter

Fun and games were in store at a Children’s Fairground at the King George V Playing Fields in Uppermill.

There was entertainment and karaoke at the Hare and Hounds and Albion Tab, on the village High Street, including The Gabe Roadshow and GI Gabe.

Saddleworth Swings brought Uppermill Methodist Church to life thanks to the English Jazz Orchestra.

Pictures by Phil Morris

There was more music to enjoy including Kyle Evans as George Formby at Uppermill Conservative Club, Dapper Dan at The Waggon Inn, Rachel Grace at Muse.

And the ever-popular Bailey Dolls were accompanied by Dobcross Silver Band for a concert at Dobcross Band Club.