The Santa Dash countdown is well and truly on

The countdown to the great Christmas fundraiser is under way.

The much-valued annual Saddleworth Santa Dash is being held in Uppermill on Saturday, December 7 to kick off the festivities and turn on the Christmas lights in Uppermill.

And this year the volunteers from local charity Saddleworth Round Table are making the event the biggest yet in its 10th year as a staple in the Saddleworth Calendar.

This year, 2,700 Santa are completing the 2km or more adventurous 5km route from the park in Uppermill into Greenfield and back into Uppermill.

The event kicks off at 11.30am with Christmas music, presented on stage by Elliot, Christmas markets, mulled wine and Saddleworth Round Table's giant beer tent.

The area's leading youth band, Dobcross, will play carols from 12.15pm on stage. 

At 1pm Kevin Sinfield will be joining the event on stage to receive a cheque from round table for money raised in aid of his latest feat of running home for Christmas involving seven ultra marathons (32 miles a day) in seven days.

After a a quick Q&A, Kevin will dash off to complete his epic run when attentions in Uppermill turn to warm ups for the start of the Santa Dash at 2pm sharp. 

The dash will conclude back in the park, with more Christmas carols, awards and presentations of cheques for all the teams who submitted into the dash.

At 4pm the real Santa will be making an appearance in front of the methodist church to light the tree up and kick off Santas parade down the high street to the museum and back into the park for carols and a firework finale at 5.20pm.

Santa will be joined by some special guests, including a full marching Friesland brass band, of course the Morris Men and some special Disney guests.

Note the road closure of the main high street will be from 1.55pm to 6pm, so please plan your travel in advance.

Signs have been put up and the round table want to make everyone aware well in advance of the travel disruption.

The benefit to the road closure is to allow dashers and spectators to really enjoy the day in a safe environment.

The Winter Wonderland parade starting at the methodist church is free for spectators.

If you want to come to see the spectacular event on its 10th year, come to Uppermill from 11.30am to 6pm on Saturday - it's free for all spectators.

Before this year's dash has even commenced, generous spirited Round Table have already donated over £10,000 to various key groups and causes, including MND, local schools and clubs.

If you want to help raise more money for your local community grab the last few tickets for the dash while you can or turn up on the day to grab a delicious hot Vimto, mulled wine of fresh beer, as well as street food and the fantastic Christmas markets on the day.

The last 10 years has generated excess of £100,000 donated back into the local community and local worthy causes.

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