By Martin Robinson | 11:35 GMT, 13 August 2012
War enthusiasts cause outrage after parading through streets in
Nazi uniforms and flying swastika flags from their cars
A row has broken out after war enthusiasts took to the streets in Nazi uniforms and
flying swastikas from their cars.
Jewish leaders and anti-fascism campaigners have berated festival-goers near Saddleworth,
Greater Manchester, who went through the centre of the village of Uppermill proudly carrying
the Nazi symbol.
Hundreds attended the Yanks festival last weekend, with many thrilled to dress up and
re-create the 1940s for a few days.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00006-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00006-27.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
But organisers say they cannot stop people wearing Nazi insignia on a public street and insist
their own strict code of conduct bans them.
Although they said anyone spotted with anything Nazi-related trying to get into their event at
Saddleworth School was asked to remove it.
But campaign group Unite Against Fascism called for the public to protest and said it was
unnacceptable.
And the Community Security Trust, which campaigns against anti-semitic attacks on behalf of
the Jewish community, said all right-minded people would be horrified.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00007-23.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00007-23.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The event was inspired by the Richard Gere film Yanks, which was filmed in Saddleworth. But
it is the second time it has been marred by Nazi controversy.
Police were called after a pub landlord was found wearing an SS uniform two years ago.
The incident is also the second public row over Nazi insignia in a few weeks.
In June wartime re-enactors in Ramsbottom sparked outrage by dressing up as Nazis and
suggesting a Jewish couple put on a Star of David and pretend to be persecuted.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00008-16.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00008-16.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
But Bury councillor Michelle Wiseman, who has previously slammed similar events in her area,
said it is a tricky issue to tackle.
'Most people dress up for these things appropriately in 40s clothing but unfortunately until it’s
banned in this country nothing can be done and it’s just going to continue.
'It’s very difficult though because when you start banning things where do you draw the line?'
Paul Higginson, organiser of the Yanks weekend, said the costumes worn by people on the public
highway are beyond his control.
But he added: “My policy in Saddleworth is don’t come along with armbands on.
'You will be asked to take them off - you won’t get access to the showground.'
The weekend event includes military stalls, swing dance lessons, vintage fun fair and a swing ball
on the Saturday night.
War enthusiasts cause outrage after parading through streets in
Nazi uniforms and flying swastika flags from their cars
- The incident happened at the Yanks festival in Uppermill near Manchester
- War enthusiasts donned Nazi uniforms and drove through in cars with Nazi flags attached
- Jewish and anti-fascism groups brand it offensive
A row has broken out after war enthusiasts took to the streets in Nazi uniforms and
flying swastikas from their cars.
Jewish leaders and anti-fascism campaigners have berated festival-goers near Saddleworth,
Greater Manchester, who went through the centre of the village of Uppermill proudly carrying
the Nazi symbol.
Hundreds attended the Yanks festival last weekend, with many thrilled to dress up and
re-create the 1940s for a few days.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00006-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00006-27.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
But organisers say they cannot stop people wearing Nazi insignia on a public street and insist
their own strict code of conduct bans them.
Although they said anyone spotted with anything Nazi-related trying to get into their event at
Saddleworth School was asked to remove it.
But campaign group Unite Against Fascism called for the public to protest and said it was
unnacceptable.
And the Community Security Trust, which campaigns against anti-semitic attacks on behalf of
the Jewish community, said all right-minded people would be horrified.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00007-23.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00007-23.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The event was inspired by the Richard Gere film Yanks, which was filmed in Saddleworth. But
it is the second time it has been marred by Nazi controversy.
Police were called after a pub landlord was found wearing an SS uniform two years ago.
The incident is also the second public row over Nazi insignia in a few weeks.
In June wartime re-enactors in Ramsbottom sparked outrage by dressing up as Nazis and
suggesting a Jewish couple put on a Star of David and pretend to be persecuted.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=frm00008-16.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/frm00008-16.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
But Bury councillor Michelle Wiseman, who has previously slammed similar events in her area,
said it is a tricky issue to tackle.
'Most people dress up for these things appropriately in 40s clothing but unfortunately until it’s
banned in this country nothing can be done and it’s just going to continue.
'It’s very difficult though because when you start banning things where do you draw the line?'
Paul Higginson, organiser of the Yanks weekend, said the costumes worn by people on the public
highway are beyond his control.
But he added: “My policy in Saddleworth is don’t come along with armbands on.
'You will be asked to take them off - you won’t get access to the showground.'
The weekend event includes military stalls, swing dance lessons, vintage fun fair and a swing ball
on the Saturday night.
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