Pictures by: Ken Bennett, Peter Wiffin, David Morris, Julie Murgatroyd, Paul Clegg, Julie Murgatroyd, David Needham, Marie Whitehead.

IT'S a tune that serenaded the dawn skies with jaunty defiance and ended as a complimentary backdrop to the lofty ferment...

Because when the first stirring bars of “Hail Smiling Morn” heralded the start of Saddleworth’s legendary Whit Friday, the frowning skies were heavy with rain.

But gradually, as the extraordinary tapestry of colourful swirling banners unfurled, the rain petered out to the relief of villagers.

Everyone, it seemed, was marching. Everywhere there was brass bands playing focusing on reaching Uppermill.

Here, congregations from Saint Anne Lydgate, Christ Church Friezland, Ebenezer, Uppermill Methodist, Family Church Saddleworth, Saint Chad, Sacred Heart & Saint William, Kilngreen Mission Church and Holy Trinity Dobcross, fused in annual celebration.

Rev Audrey Lee, minister, Ebenezer Congregational Church welcomed worshippers and Father Bernard Bickers, Sacred Heart & Saint William, Uppermill read a prayer.

Rev Aaron Jackman, assistant curate, Church of England in Saddleworth, gave a reading and there was a rousing address from Rev Dr Janet Wootton, president of the Congregational Federation.

The prayers of intercession were conducted by Rev Hilary Edgerton assistant priest, Church of England in Saddleworth, with a final blessing from Rev Mike Donmall, associate priest, Church of England in Saddleworth.

The service is a treasured focal point in the day's festivities: a place meet and greet friends and family and, encouraged by church speakers, a chance to shake hands with strangers.

And handshakes and smiles went on and on ...

There was a warm reception for Rev Duncan Rhodes and his wife, Nancy (pictured). Duncan, a Whit Friday stalwart proudly lead the Kiln Green, Diggle, contingent to the event for many years.

As a counterpoint, nurse Julie Bradley (pictured) from Dobcross was reunited with her brother Andy, aged 52, a welder living in Malta, who returned to Whit Friday for the first time in 26 years.

“I’ve asked him lots of times to come over for Whit Friday but he’s not managed to make it until this time.He purposely planned it so he’d be here for today,” confided Julie.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming Brass Band jamboree, Ian and Elizabeth Riddles had travelled 750 miles from their home in France to help the Scouthead and Austerlands contest in Dawsons Field.

And it was here bearded Derek Heffernan, a former Mayor of Oldham, helped by a walking frame, exercised his privilege to lead the first band to the field in his role as new mayor of Austerlands (picture).

Much later, the diligent GMP officers, who had seen the newly formed Saddleworth Street Pastors deployed for the first time, reported no arrests or alcohol seized in Uppermill.

And across the other 10 musical venues there were only two arrests, one on suspicion of assault, another on suspicion of a drink drive offence. A small amount of alcohol was seized in the Lees area.

I mused it had indeed been a smiling morn ...