Villages say Yanks for the memories

THE big parade at last year’s event

Saddleworth’s villages will again step back in time this weekend for the annnual “Yanks are Back in Town” festival

The event, from Friday to Sunday, celebrates the local filming of the 1979 Richard Gere film “Yanks”.

Diector John Schlesinger’s film crews made wide use of locations in Saddleworth, especially Dobcross, on the open spaces of local golf courses and filmed much of the title sequence in nearby Stalybridge.

Living history performers, vintage military vehicles, a classic Rolls Royce and an ambulance that once did service in Hollywood will help to recreate wartime Britain. Period-themed stalls, dances, a bar and the event’s highlight, a military vehicle parade through Saddleworth (from Uppermill at noon on Saturday and Sunday) will add to the atmosphere.

The skies will also join in the event as a US Dakota aeroplane flies over Saddleworth at 2.15pm on Saturday and 2.45pm on Sunday.

The main festival site is at Saddleworth School, with many local pubs and other public places ofefring their own themed events (www.yanksarebackinsaddleworth.co.uk for details).