Christie's Foundation Trust Charity night at the Church Inn, Uppermill 24/10/09

Torrential rain had been pouring across Saddleworth all day, but even this could not dampen the spirits of the local (and not so local) Wheel fans who had turned out in force, early, to guarantee their entrance to the evening's event - local bands playing in aid of Christie's Foundation Trust. The Church Inn, situated off the village centre of Uppermill, was the beautiful setting for the Charity night. To keep an eye on the proceedings, friendly security guards were present to ensure that the mayhem didnt get out of control. Upon entry, £5 notes were exchanged for wristbands - absolute bargin if you ask me, then down the steep steps to the rear car park where the marquee with it's purpose built stage (and metal railings for crowd safety) was being buffeted by the gail. A bbq was in full swing to keep the hungry hordes happy. By 10pm when Twisted Wheel took to the stage, the marquee was bursting at the seams. The rain had by now ebbed away, giving the audience outside, some respite as the mayhem ensued. The massive roar of approval as the lads struck the opening chords to 'Lucy The Castle' must have been heard for miles across the moors. Everyone jostling for a better view, (someone even climbed the main marquee pole) people on shoulders, people crowd surfing, throwing beer, all singing at the top of their voices for the homecoming of their local heros.

SET LIST

'Lucy the Castle'

'Racket'

'She's a Weapon'

'One Night on the Street'

'Let them have it All'

'Bouncing Bomb'

'Strife'

'Turnaround'

'Oh What Have You Done'

'We Are Us'

'You Stole the Sun'

'Smash It Up'

The crowd were loving it, with 'Racket' and 'She's A Weapon' followed by 'One Night On The Street' and 'Let Them Have It All'. Technical difficulties meant that we had Jonny singing minus guitar for 'Bouncing Bomb', but the audience stole the show by singing it all for him.

With much laughter and banter, it was straight back down to the rockin' business, with 'Turnaround' which went down a storm.

With the last few songs being played, sweat was pouring off the crowd, who I dare say hadn't enjoyed themselves so much since they'd seen Twisted Wheel on stage at the Academy a few months back. All loving this special chance to see the band play in their village. Infact, no one wanted the gig to end.

With hundreds of pounds being raised for Christie's Foundation Trust, the night had been a total success.

ALL PIX & TXT BY Jane x