Festival hopes rise

Plans for this year’s South Pennine Walk and Ride Festival are starting to take shape with 16 events due to take place across the borough.

Organisers hope this year’s fortnight of events will attract more visitors, keen to increase their fitness and take in some fresh air, than ever before.

Proposed activities for the outdoor extravaganza, scheduled for September 11-26, include horse-riding in Friezland, 10-mile walks over the hills and for the first time, back-packing events.

Co-ordinator John Manning said: “We hope it will be the biggest and best festival yet and succeed in attracting people locally to come out and discover their local heritage.

“Money is tight and people are not going on holiday, so hopefully it will encourage more people to visit the South Pennines — it’s a great place to spend a week horse riding or walking.”

Organisers are keen to encourage visitors of all abilities from Oldham and Saddleworth to get out and about in the great outdoors during the fortnight, with most events free of charge.