ROLL up, roll up for the greatest show in town as Festival Oldham returns for 2018.
The borough’s annual free celebration of art, entertainment and street theatre takes place on Saturday, May 26 from 11am to 4pm in Parliament Square and the Parish Church in Oldham Town Centre and Gallery Oldham.
This year the festival takes on a circus theme and is part of Circus250, a national celebration marking 250 years of circus.
Oldham has a rich history of circus performances and the Coliseum Theatre began life in 1885 as the Grand American Circus and Hippodrome.
To mark this rich heritage, more than 100 of the best circus, variety and music performers are heading to town.
Prepare to be amazed by the unusual, bizarre and unbelievable feats of Doctor Diablo’s Sideshow – including amazing fire-eating, escapology and contortionism.
Circus Sensible and their beautiful blue and yellow big tops will transform the Parish Church yard into the ‘The Circus Gardens’.
Watch the spectacular performers from around the world and have a go at juggling, stilt walking, plate spinning and much more.
Resident circus elephant sisters Hessi and Kalli will be exploring Parliament Square. They love meeting new people and getting up to mischief.
A beautiful giant lion will prowl the streets accompanied by a faithful assistant who will beckon forth all who wish to meet the spirit of the pride.
There will also be a larger than life circus ringmaster and the aerial acrobatics of Circus Vee at Gallery Oldham.
Look out too for Tiddles the Circus Tiger – the new Oldham Theatre Workshop street theatre show.
For more information visit www.visitoldham.com or call 0161 770 3070.
Share your images from the weekend on social media using the hashtag #LoveOldham.