Thousands turn out for ‘Yanks’ event in Saddleworth

Left to right: Saskia Edwards Korolczuk - Oldham youth mayor, Yasmin Toor, Sharman Birtles - High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mayor of Oldham - Ateeque Ur-Rehman, Air Chief Marshall Dowding and Cllr Neil Allsopp

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

Thousands of people arrived in Saddleworth this weekend to watch the popular annual ‘Yanks’ event.

The event was first staged 15 years ago to celebrate the local filming of the Hollywood movie “YANKS” in 1979 starring Richard Gere. Many locations in Dobcross were used in the film as well as parts of Uppermill - extras in the film included local residents and school children.

Click to enlarge - parade and convoy

There were many attractions for visitors to see over the course of the weekend including military vehicles, militaria and vintage stalls, a 1940’s tea room and cafe, military reenactors and a fly over by historic military aircraft.

The ‘Yanks’ set up camp in the grounds of Saddleworth School once again giving visitors the chance to view the many historic vehicles.

Uppermill Civic Hall hosted a tea dance during the day on Saturday with the Victory Swing Ball held there in the evening, musical entertainment was provided by ‘Sticky Wicket’ and his swing orchestra, free dance lessons were also provided downstairs in the Civic Hall.

click to enlarge

On Sunday morning the Mayor of Oldham hosted a coffee morning with the Normandy Veterans, this was followed at 12pm by the very popular military parade and convoy along High Street in Uppermill.

Winston Churchill himself made an appearance and gave a “V for Victory” sign to the huge crowds of people who had lined both sides of the road.

Those watching the parade included Cyril Gosling (centre of photo), a veteran of the famous WWII Dambuster raids, who was a member of the 617 squadron in 1943. Cyril said he was “happy to be at the event today and was pleased everyone was having a good time”.

Music and dancing went on late into Sunday night at most of the pubs in Uppermill with everyone agreeing the weekend had been a great success once again.