Looking FAB for the beer walk

Thunderbirds are go . . . Phil and Cath Barker take the roles of Parker and Lady Penelope in their replica pink Rolls Royce made especially for the beer walk and (inset) the 1960s original

Brass band ethusiasts and beer walkers are gearing up for another glorious Whit weekend of celebration in Saddleworth in what is often referred to as the greatest free show on earth.

Link4pink fund-raiser Phil Barker (48) has come up with a “fab” way of entertaining the crowds at Saturday’s 37th annual beer walk with a full-size replica of Lady Penelope’s pink Rolls Royce from the 1960s children’s TV show, “Thunderbirds”.

Six men in Thunderbirds costumes will carry the 20-stone replica around the 111/2-mile course to raise money for Oldham Victoria Breast Care Unit, which cared for Phil’s wife Cath, (44), after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Phil said: “They saved Cath’s life, and what we feel is beyond gratitude. It’s just a bit of fun, and we will be stopping along the way for people to have their pictures taken with the car.”

Spirits are also high as brass players from across the country make their way to the hills for the world-renowned cluster of contests.

London’s Fulham Brass Band has managed to raise £4,500 to make the trip up North. Conductor Simon Jones said: “We have such a mix of members, from America, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, and one of the things they want to do when they come to England is the Saddleworth Whit Friday contest. The atmosphere and the social side of it is brilliant.”

Road closures will be in place from 4pm tomorrow, while the beer walk will start an hour earlier than normal from Churchill playing fields on Saturday at 1pm.

You can donate to: www.justgiving.com/chunderburps