Whit Friday pulls in crowds

Exhilarating brass bands, rousing hymns and enthusiastic crowds…  Saddleworth’s hills were truly alive to the sound of music at their legendary Whit Friday celebration.

The memorable, joyous community affair   launched with a magical procession rollout of families followed by swirling vanguard of banners and brass bands leading villagers onto King George V playing fields, Uppermill.

This year proud walkers came from Christ Church Friezland, St Anne Lydgate, Uppermil Methodist, Ebenezer Uppermill, Family Church,Saddleworth, Sacred Heart and St William, St Chad, Saddleworth, Holy Trinity Dobcross,  Kilngreen Mission church..

The happy throngs were welcomed  by Rev Audrey Lee, minister of Ebenezer Congregational church.

Rev Sachin Awale, Saddleworth’s team Vicar read the opening prayer, Rev Hilary Edgerton, Saddleworth’s house of duty priest, gave a reading and Rev Michaela Youngson, assistant secretary of the Methodist Conference for the Methodist Church, gave the address.

Father Linus Thliza, priest for Sacred Heart and St William, read  the prayers of intercession and the blessing was given by Rev Pat Gillian, priest tin the Diocese  of Manchester.

After the uplifting  ceremony, Indian born Reverend Sachin Awale spoke about who is leaving his position as Team Vicar in the Saddleworth benefice to become the new Team Rector in the benefice of Astley, Tyldesley, and Mosley Common.. 

He said: "Saddleworth is really beautiful. I’ve really enjoyed being  part of village life round here, sharing life with them and enjoying different seasons of life.

“Living and working in Saddleworth has been very good for me and my family. And now it really feels like home.

Whit Fatimid one of the most special days in village everyone is made very welcome. It's a place where community still really matters.”

The actual brass band contests take part across the villages.