We’ll drink to that...

Saddleworth Beer Walk

A RESOLUTE team of volunteers have come up with an alternative event to replace the axed Saddleworth Beer Walk.

Now, instead of walking the traditional 11.2-mile route round local

villages, visitors will be able to share the delights of local hostelries at

one contained venue — Sadd Fest 13 — on Saturday, September 7.

And 10 of the pubs who were part of the original beer walk will have their

own dedicated tents for the day at the special music festival at Saddleworth Rangers Rugby Club, Greenfield.

The new event is backed by headline sponsors, The White Hart, Lydgate, and The Old Bell, Delph.

The beer walk ceased two years ago when some walkers, posing as legitimate fund-raisers, used cash donated by unwitting locals as beer money to fund their own personal drinking sprees on the day, while other rifled collection boxes.

Police also received complaints after thousands of extra revellers turned up drunk.

Round Table stalwarts tried valiantly to keep the walk alive, but after

seeking advice, decided to call time on the colourful event which

raised £41,000 in its last year and more than £200,000 over the previous five years.

Now, supported by businesses and the local community, Sadd Fest 13, will be focal point for the launch of an all-day event to raise funds to support

Round Table’s community-wide Christmas party for the elderly and the

spectacular Winter Wonderland, a magical Yuletide scene-setter in Uppermill.

Anyone interested in supporting these events or joining Round Table please contact Dave MacDougall at info@saddfest.co.uk.