A VILLAGE featured in a movie blockbuster 40 years ago takes centre stage again this weekend when The Yanks are back in Saddleworth.

Dobcross rocketed to stardom after the village featured in the making of “Yanks,” starring Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave.

And on Sunday Dobcross Band and Social Club will devote an afternoon of themed entertainment starring The Bailey Dolls, performing a range of wartime favourites at 3pm with Dobcross Silver Band.

Wartime military vehicles will be on show in the car park and club’s Coffee Shop Team will provide a special “ration box” of eats.

In the evening, the epic film directed by John Schlesinger, will be shown at the club and the event will continue with dancing linked to wartime favourites.

And it will be an extra special visit for Catherine Hearne, one third of the Dolls, who was born in the village. Her father, Pip, who died two years ago, was a band club member more the 35 years and the silver band’s vice president.

She said: “Dad would have been absolutely thrilled to see this event. I know the club is making a huge effort.”

Meantime, the full force of the “Yanks” wartime invasion will focus a glittering bonanza of nostalgia and fun with the main base at Saddleworth School, Uppermill.

Admission costs £5 for the two days, with a hand-stamp, £12 for a family ticket, two adults and two children under 16. War veterans gain free entry.

There will be new additions for the festival this year including a 25lb gun and a 101st airborne display and a full-sized Spitfire and ME/109 at the school.

And locals and visitors can let their hair down at the Victory Swing Ball on Friday headlining The Debonaires, featuring Katie Mustang and Paul Shelby. Tickets £15 including a wartime supper.

Trina from The Backstep Boogie Club will be spinning discs and giving free dance lessons.

But all eyes will turn skyward when a legendary trio of wartime planes - Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane - make majestic village flyovers on Saturday at 1pm and 3.20 pm Sunday, weather permitting.

And on Sunday, massive crowds are expected to throng Uppermill’s High Street for the traditional military parade and convoy, scheduled at noon, led by led by Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.

They will accompany Post War Veterans, Cadets, plus Northenden Pipe Band leading Re-enactors out within the parade.

A Mr Churchill look-alike will be the lead vehicle travelling through the village and on a route through surrounding areas.

Oldham mayor Cllr Javid Iqbal and dignitaries will earlier host a coffee morning for Normandy veterans.

For event information visit the Yanks are back in Saddleworth 2018 on Facebook or their website:www.yanksarebackinsaddleworth.co.uk

For tickets and reservations at Dobcross Band Club call: 01457873741 or e-mail:info@dobcrossbandclub.co.uk