THE YANKS are back in Saddleworth in style on August 8-10 with a spectacular array of wartime entertainment, activities and vehicles – and a special star guest from the 1979 movie.
Lisa Eichhorn, who co-starred alongside Richard Gere in the Hollywood blockbuster, will enjoy a jeep tour around the various local sites used in the film.
She will also spend time at the Swan Inn at Dobcross, join in the dancing at the Victory Swing Ball at the Civic Hall on Saturday and meet Normandy Veterans ahead of Sunday’s military convoy.
The Yanks Weekend festivities were first staged 13 years ago to celebrate the filming movie and have now become one of the largest and most popular annual events in Saddleworth.
This year’s extravaganza from WW2 Events will see the ‘Yanks’ set up at Saddleworth School in Uppermill with a host of military displays and vintage stalls to turn back the clock.
There will also be a Vintage fun fair, a 1940’s Tea room and Café, an assault course, and a classic and military cars display along with a static spitfire and WW2 engines.
Vintage buses will be on hand to transport people between the village centre and the school.
Admission costs £5 for adults and children (up to 16) £3, with proceeds going to The Rifles ‘Care for Casualties, The Normandy Veterans and The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Please note, no black allgemeine SS uniforms with red armbands and re-enactors with Waffen SS combat uniforms are welcome as long as SS insignia is not displayed.
Elsewhere, shops and pubs across the area will be transformed as they enter into 1940’s spirit and put on an array of exciting and fun events.
Don’t miss the flyover by a Lancaster Bomber on Sunday afternoon at 3.20pm – weather permitting.
The action-packed weekend will conclude with a military and vintage convoy on Sunday at 12noon, starting in Uppermill and processing through surrounding areas.
Find out more on their website or Facebook
Calendar of events
Friday 8 – Hawaiian Night
The Waggon Pub, Uppermill, 7.30pm
Friday 8 – Troops Night
Commerical Pub, Uppermill
Featuring Ricky Hunter and DJ Windy performing wartime favourites
Saturday 9 –War Time tea dance
Uppermill Civic Hall, 11am – 4pm
Tea Dance hosted by Paul and Jenny with vocalist, trumpeter and radio Twinwood DJ Ricky Hunter bringing the hits from 1930s, 40s Big Band and Swing eras
Free dance lessons with the Backstep Boogie Club from 2pm-5pm
Fee: £3 on the door
Saturday 9 – Entertainment
Diggle Hotel, Diggle, from 2pm
Wingtip Windy DJ (1920s to 50s swing) and Ukulele Band
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 – Entertainment
Commercial Pub, Uppermill
Outside bar and barbeque with entertainment throughout the day from Ricky Hunter with Jayne Darling, Perfect Vintage and Lilli Moore
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 – Entertainment
The Waggon Pub, Uppermill, from 1pm
Outside bar and food all day with live entertainment, Jukebox Johnie, Rockabilly Fever and Oldham Pipe Band
Saturday 9 – Victory Swing Ball
Uppermill Civic Hall, 7.30pm – late
All floors in the Civic will be open as Sticky Wicket and his swing orchestra top the bill along with DJ Jive spinning the discs and playing music from the decades plus FREE dance lessons by the Backstep Boogie Club
Tickets: £18 in advance including Hot Wartime Supper. Ring Ian 07815 300547
Saturday 9 – Vintage Dance
Dobcross Band and Social Club, 7.30pm – late
Villagers can enjoy a Vintage Dance with Katz-Korner and The Singing Solider
Tickets: £10 from the Band Club
Sunday 10 – Mayor of Oldham coffee morning
Betty’s Fish and Chip Shop, 10.30am-11.30am
The Mayor of Oldham will host a coffee morning with the Normandy Veterans
Sunday 10 – Vintage-inspired Gift and Craft Fair
Uppermill Civic Hall, 11am-4pm
Organised by Saddleworth Creative Network, a host of vintage jewellery, clothing, gifts, crafts, furniture and food will be on sale, along with 1940s and 50s hair and make-overs.
Sunday 10 – Entertainment
Diggle Hotel, Diggle, from 2pm
American Jerome MacMurry (Jazz, Rat Pack, Latin and Blues) on Sunday
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