Audience is transported to Vienna by opening concert

John Battye and Annette Battye, James Scott Chairman Festival Committee, Cllr Neil Allsopp Chairman Saddleworth Council, Carol Allsopp Chairman’s Lady Saddleworth Council, Oldham Mayor and Mayoress

PEOPLE were transported to Austria for the opening concert of Saddleworth Arts Festival.


The London Opera Players and the Parry Ensemble played a selection of waltzes, polkas and opera at the Summer Night in Vienna concert at Saddleworth Civic Hall, Uppermill on Saturday.

It included a a guest appearance from Marilyn Hill Smith who has sung principal roles with the likes of English National Opera and the Royal Opera House.

Other highlights from the opening weekend of the festival, which runs until June 14, included a display by Canalside Quilters, a performance of the play “Filumena” by Saddleworth Players and a tournament at Friezland Bowling Club.

Ten Saddleworth gardens were open to the public, there was also an art and craft exhibition, a masterclass by violinist Tamsin Little and a concert by soul singer Ruby Turner.

email: karendoherty@oldham-chronicle.co.uk