The Saddleworth Show and Wellifest raise £20,000 for good causes.

Record numbers of people came along to this year’s Wellifest and the Saddleworth Show raising £20,000 for good causes.

The events, organised by the Rotary Clubs of Saddleworth and Oldham Metro, aim to raise money for local and Rotary good causes and has given to over 65 organisations in recent years.

The weekend started with Wellifest held at Well-i-hole Farm in Greenfield. The first act was 12-16 competition winner Liberty Eaton who got to open the show followed by runner-up Freja Hardman.

The rest of the event boasted a line-up that included bands Uncle Buck, One Day and Blackballed as well as soloists Tom Hingley, ex-lead singer of the Inspiral Carpets, Aleya Mae and Frank Lund.

The event also welcomed a Frankie Valli tribute act and a 40-minute set by The Salford Angels who finished out the festival.

Show Organiser, Frank Bolger, said: “It was so good to see so many families enjoying our fabulous community music event, dancing and rocking in the evening sunshine. It was an amazing success raising lots for charities and local good causes.”

Sunday saw the Saddleworth Show get under way with thousands attending. The public were treated to some fantastic live acts as well as the return of the Fun Dog Show, climbing towers, activities form the Mahdlo Youth Zone and Wellikids story telling. Also returning was the famous duck race taking place along the River Tame.

Also on offer was One Adventure Laser Quest, Floating Archery, a trampolining act from The Crazy Tramps and Elephant Puppets from Global Grooves.

Live music and entertainment came from Juba Do Leao, Jubacana, Baby Ballet Oldham and the Rock Choir.

There was plenty of tasty food on offer as well as charity stalls from the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, Fire Brigade, the Guide Dogs and many more.

New for this year was the local vintage tractor group who rode into the showground to great applause.

The two events have together raised around £20,000 which will go to many good causes.In the past charities have included Chatty Café, the Dobcross Youth Drop-in, the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Funky, Fitness and Fun and Inspire Women.

Frank continued: “The community really turned out for us. As Rotary and their helpers are all volunteers, every penny will go to charities and local good causes. A special thanks should go to all our young helpers including the ATC groups, Saddleworth School and Dovestone Junior Rangers. It is good to see so many young people volunteering for community projects.”

For more information on the events you can visit www.saddleworthshow.com and www.wellifest.com