Festival Oldham is set to return to the town centre with a spectacular celebration of creativity, culture and community to kick-start the summer season.
This year’s free outdoor arts festival which takes place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12 to 4pm will also officially launch Oldham’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme, Rising Up, marking the beginning of an exciting year of arts and culture across the borough.
Inspired by all things green, floral and full of summer energy, Festival Oldham 2026 promises a blooming wonderful day of entertainment featuring local, regional and national outdoor artists performing across the town centre.
Visitors can enjoy an exciting programme of street theatre, dance, visual arts, family performances, and live music throughout the day.
The main stage on Parliament Square will host performances from Taste of Sabrina, Baked À La Ska, Untold Orchestra and Snow in August, creating a lively soundtrack for the day’s celebrations.
New for 2026 is REACH - Dancing Town, a showcase celebrating some of the very best dance talents from across the town.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy an incredible line-up of outdoor performances including Bee-Yond the Garden Gate by Limelight Circus, Easy Lay Eggs by Fair Play and The Pigeons by Circii. The majestic Summer Lion by Creature Encounters will also roam through the town centre across the day.
Pictured above are the Dancing Dyas.
Neil Consterdine, Director of Communities at Oldham Council, said: “Festival Oldham is always one of the highlights of our year and 2026 promises to be our biggest and most exciting festival yet.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, celebrate the incredible creativity we have across our borough and showcase Oldham as a vibrant destination full of culture, talent and community spirit."
“This year’s festival is particularly special as it officially launches Rising Up, our Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme.
"Residents and visitors can expect an unforgettable day packed with music, dance, street theatre and family entertainment right in the heart of Oldham town centre.”
Visitors will also be able to witness a breath-taking murmuration of starlings created by Burnley Brow Primary School in response to the exhibition Oldham Wakes by Sophie Tyrrell, currently on display at Gallery Oldham until September.
With free entertainment and activities for all ages, Festival Oldham 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture and community in the heart of Oldham town centre.
Festival Oldham has celebrated outdoor arts, culture and creativity since 1998, showcasing the very best local, regional and national artists through a packed programme of street theatre, music, dance and visual arts each year.
Find out more at Festival Oldham - Oldham HLA
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