1940s nostalgia sweeps through Saddleworth communities

A tide of 1940s nostalgia swept a hillside community when the Saddleworth Wartime Weekend took centre stage.

Pubs, restaurants and clubs provided a menu of songs, music and open-air dance venues linked to the era, with a smattering of villagers turning up in wartime fashions and military uniforms,

For example, Dobcross Band and Social club featured a show from singing trio the Bailey Dolls and the village’s silver band.

The English Jazz Orchestra played on the theme of ‘Saddleworth Swings’ to an appreciative audience at Uppermill Methodist Church.

Among other venues, Uppermill Conservative Club Gardens highlighted Yanks themed music with the Friezland Brass Band.

The Wartime Weekend took place after organisers of popular ‘Yanks are back in Saddleworth’ pulled out of their event citing “many problems".

Over the last 20 years that event established itself as a firm favourite in the community’s social calendar and attracted an audience including re-enactors from across the country and military vehicle enthusiasts.

Highlights included a military show and vehicle parade and 1940’s historical displays involving Uppermill and Dobcross, where scenes from Yanks, a film starring Richard Gere, were shot in 1979. 

Paul 'Dogtags' Higginson, the event organiser, revealed plans are ‘ongoing’ for a return of the Yanks spectacular next year.

He said: “We have two new sponsors and a new site.

"However, due to it being a 1940's event and careless talk costs lives, our new site will be announced in due course.

“We are excited to be working with our new sponsors, and equally they have seen the potential in the event to be staged at the new location.

"If businesses of Uppermill want to have a collaboration with the event, they are more than welcome to join us.

"Any help would be appreciated.

“And with their help we could make it an even bigger show and potentially bring more visitors to the event and village.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to bringing back the real Yanks event for 2023.

"The fly over, military parade and all activities are on-going for next year.

“The team and myself would like to thank,all past and present supporters of our event - we'll see you in 2023.”

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