Record turnout delights Wellifest and Saddleworth Show organisers

The organisers of the WelliFest community and family music event held each year in Saddleworth were delighted by this year’s record attendance.

Individuals, families and many large groups enjoyed the live music on Saturday, rocking well into the evening to bands including Foofighterz, Manchester Ska Foundation, and other great locally-based bands.

With the help of JW Lees, the bar kept everyone well watered and the many food vendors provided a great variety.

This year everyone could enjoy face painting, glitter painting, Henna artist, fun photo booth and WelliFest merchandise.

The organisers - Rotary Saddleworth and Rotary Oldham Metro - along with a fantastic team of volunteers, give their time completely free and all profits go to local good causes and charities.

Frank Bolger, Co-Chair, said: "What an event, what a great crowd, and we expect last year's record profit of £29,000 to be beaten, which means we can help even more people in need in the coming year."

The traditional, ever popular, Saddleworth Show then took place yesterday (Sunday), and the crowds turned up throughout the day.

They had a great day with laser sabre demos, the dog event and show, free Punch and Judy (see above), magic shows, youth music showcase, free giant Lasermaze, free rock painting, sandart, and a great duck race along the river and the dress a duck competition.

The day was not spoiled too much by a very late heavy shower just as the duck race started, which merely cleared the site a little earlier than anticipated.

It was great weather for ducks, but no dampener on what had been a great day for all!

Co Chair Clint Elliott said: "We cannot thank everyone enough for their support for both events, the volunteers, our bar staff, Rotarians and partners, the general  public and our generous sponsors.

"They have all contributed to make the two events into the very best community and family event around.”

Despite the rain, unfettered, the Duck Race started under the careful watch of Jack Wild and Jon Stocker from Rotary and Max Woodvine from Saddleworth Round Table.

The ducks battled through heavy rain and winds (see below) to complete the tricky course.

The eventual winning duck was number 2032, followed by 1316 and then 2448.

The name of the Duck owners will be announced soon.

A big shout out to the Air Training Cadets and Roger Hope, from Oldham Fly Fishing Club, for rounding up the stragglers during the torrential downpour.

Earlier, the decorate your duck competition was judged by Hailey Leyland from Mahdlo.

The winning entry in the children's category - 'Delph's Quack' - came from Delph Post Office, while in the senior section the duck entered by Saddleworth Peace Group beat off strong competition to take the top spot.

A big thank you to all the entrants to this inaugural event, which organisers hope will be a regular part of the show in years to come.

And special thanks to Gill and Bill Bussey and all Rotarians who have been hard at work over the last few weekends selling ducks in advance of the annual race.

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