Steam festival is coming to town

The countdown is on for a new staple in a community’s quirky social diary - the Saddleworth Steam Festival.

The Steam showpiece event will feature live from the Museum car park in Uppermill this weekend. 

Saddleworth Round Table are organising the free entry event with all ages welcome to take part on Saturday (12noon-8pm) and Sunday (10am to 4pm).

On both days, there will be five, full-size traction engines, plus a few smaller ones too. 

The event will offer rides up and down Uppermill High Street followed by a mini tour up a steep hill to the Church Inn at the top of Church Road, Uppermill, and then again across to the Old Bell in Delph as a novel way to whet your appetite.

In Uppermill itself, rides of the steam engines will be available on a first come, first served basis on three designated routes. 

The relaxed event will encourage all ages to get involved in the world of steam - but do bring some change to drop in a Round Table bucket.

Funds raised on the day will be donated back to the local community by kindhearted Tablers.

The organisers say the weather is hotting up, so expect perfect steam conditions with the sun in the sky and 22 degrees heat, in October! 

The good news is Saddleworth Round Table will be running a real ale bar for the thirsty folks of Saddleworth with  soft drinks available too.

And beer being showcased is the fantastic “We Are Wolf” - brewed local to the free Festival of Steam.

Food will also be available on the day, in addition to collectors-edition merchandise on offer.

And organisers hint they are expecting a very special guest on Sunday, someone who loves steam-powered land rovers and local football… others say he loves dashing around Saddleworth delivering presents - keep your eyes peeled. 

Organisers urge people to come out and support this quirky event, which could grow to be a ‘must have fixture’ in the Saddleworth diary.

LTS and Hughes demolition will be providing low loaders for the engines and Metplant Hire and Recycling pvc are providing off loading and organ.

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