Count down to Christmas with a great line-up of events in Oldham town centre in the lead up to the big day.
The first event is Santa’s Reindeer Parade on Saturday 10 November from 1–3.30pm. This year’s theme is ‘The Night Before Christmas’ and will feature more than 200 participants from local community and arts groups.
There will be music from Dobcross Silver Band, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band and mini-musicians of the future from The Incredible Plastic Street Band.
The Oldham Christmas lights switch-on is taking place on Sunday 18 November, 1–6pm (lights will be switched on at 5pm at Tommyfield Market). This promises to be an ‘out-of-this-world’ experience with Tiny and Small from The Clangers making appearances throughout the day in Parliament Square.
Later on you’ll be amazed by LED robotic dancers from Cirque Bijou and an other-worldly performance by Oldham Theatre Workshop before a fantastic firework display finishes off the evening with a bang.
Our annual winter brass band festival, Brass Monkeys takes place on Saturday 8 December, 11am–4pm. Enjoy lots of traditional music and festive sounds with the world famous Foden’s Band, fresh from the ‘National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain’ held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
As well as the acclaimed Fairey Band, Manchester’s newest funk brass ensemble Twisted Tubes and an array of local brass bands too.
Alongside these events there’s also the dazzling Oldham Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, lots of Christmas family fun happening at Spindles, the Music Centre’s Junior and Senior Christmas Festivals, plus the Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s pantomime, which this year is ‘Cinderella’… “Oh yes it is!”. So, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Councillor Sean Fielding, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We certainly know how to celebrate Christmas in Oldham.
“There are lots of events for residents to enjoy as the festive season approaches.
“It’s particularly exciting that the world famous and award-winning Foden’s band are paying us a visit for Brass Monkeys.
“I hope you take the opportunity to have fun over the coming weeks and enjoy what the town centre has on offer, especially while you’re out doing your Christmas shopping.”
Don’t forget, free parking is available across all council-owned town centre car parks for up to three hours at weekends and plenty of shopping opportunities in the town centre and at Tommyfield Market this Christmas. Just take a ticket from the machine and display it in your vehicle.
For more details on Christmas events, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/christmas