Hip, hip, parade!

ALL kitted out . . . uniformed soldiers

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SOLDIERS and civilians rubbed shoulders with Winston Churchill when the 1940s returned to Uppermill at the weekend.

The annual two-day Yanks festival saw a 5,000-strong crowd converge on the area — many meticulously kitted out in World War II gear.

Tanks, classic cars and even a Spitfire were on show, while jeeps and other camouflage vehicles trundled up and down the streets.

A parade through Uppermill on Sunday, led by a Scottish pipe band and war veterans, earned cheers and applause from the crowds.

And a sell-out “Victory Swing Ball”, on Saturday night, proved the wartime spirit was as popular as ever.

Eric Duncan, who travelled from the Shetland Isles to join in, said: “We’ve had a brilliant time and the parade was great. The best bit was the Scottish band. When they played ‘Scotland the Brave’ — that was it for me!”

Now in its 12th year, the festival has gone from strength to strength since it was first held in 2000 to celebrate the film “Yanks”, which brought Hollywood actor Richard Gere to Oldham.

Organiser Paul Higginson said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend. The parade was brilliant and it’s amazing to see the veterans turn out to march with us.

“That’s what it’s about — not just the film, but remembering those who fought for us and those who are still fighting today in conflict around the world.”

Money raised on the day will be given to charities The Rifles and Trewan Sand Children’s Trust, which pays for holidays for terminally-ill youngsters.

Mr Higginson promised the festival will be back next year — and he is working on getting a Spitfire flyover to thrill the crowds.


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