Crowds gather to light up the night

Photo: Paul Sterritt

CHEERS . . . from the left, Lynsey Fletcher, Lauren Pine and Angela Campbell, all from Saddleworth

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FUN-LOVING residents turned out for Delph's Party in the Park at the weekend.

The long-running music event saw around 1,500 residents dance their way through Saturday night to a variety of entertainment.

Saddleworth's eleventh marathon gig saw various music acts step onto the stage including tributes to Little Mix and Adele.

A date has been set for next year's event, with residents invited to put September 16, 2017 in their diaries.

Organiser Phil Beck of the Wake Up Delph committee said: "It was one of our biggest crowds.

"It was a fabulous crowd on a fabulous evening and a fabulous party in the park.

"There were young and old and children enjoying the sunshine, food and entertainment.

"For us the best and most important thing was the weather and it was wonderful.

"Delph will rock and roll again next year."

Event organisers handed over to compere Gilbert Symes who led guests through the line-up between 3pm and 10pm.

Visitors to Dobcross Cricket Club enjoyed the likes of Stax of Soul and indie band The Kaiser Monkey Killers.

Radio Manchester's Mike Sweeney and The Thunderbirds returned for a second year, headlining the show.

Manchester-based Black Garter provided rock and roll for the event, while Delph Band with soprano Sally Matthews kickstarted the event at 3pm.

Children were kept entertained in an area filled with bouncy castles and rides.

The event concluded with a huge firework display, with eight minutes of synchronised fireworks followed by a traditional proms finale.

Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, 1812 Overture and Rule Britannia were performed by Delph Brass Band throughout the finishing display.

Party in the Park was started by a dedicated group of volunteers to raise money for Christmas and other celebrations in Delph village.

Mr Beck said: "It is a lot of hard work to put this event on - it takes four days to set it up - so we are so thankful to our volunteers, organisers and people from far and wide who help us.

"We had new caterers this year and they were absolutely brilliant.

"We are so thankful to Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club

"Without all these people it wouldn't be possible.

"And hopefully we have raised money for the Delph lights switch-on at Christmas."

See more pictures of Party in the Park on our picture sales page.