Illuminate Light Night 2026 heading to Oldham

The annual Illuminate Light Night will return to Oldham town centre promising a free evening of spectacular light installations, performances and community celebration.

Now in its ninth year, the popular event takes place on Saturday, February 21, and transforms the town centre after dark, inviting visitors to explore a trail of illuminated artworks, exhibitions and live performances created by local, national and international light artists across multiple town centre venues. 

A key moment of the evening is the Illuminate Parade, which begins at 6pm and opens the event in spectacular style. 

The parade will wind its way through Oldham town centre from the Civic Centre featuring hundreds of vibrant, community-made lanterns and performers. 

A standout highlight of Illuminate Light Night 2026 will be Happy as the Day is Long (pictured) – a striking, larger-than-life mirrorball installation that will transform the Library Gardens into an immersive world of light and reflection. 

The artwork also hosts a pop-up silent disco, inviting visitors to grab a pair of headphones and immerse themselves in a feel-good atmosphere.  

Oldham residents are invited to help shape the soundtrack by nominating songs that bring them joy. Selected tracks will form a community-created Happy Playlist, played throughout the silent disco during the event. Nominate your song at https://stellarcreates.co.uk/illuminate-oldham-playlist/ 

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: 

“The annual Illuminate Light Night is a brilliant example of how we bring people together in Oldham. 

“It’s a free, family-friendly event that transforms our town centre into a welcoming space filled with creativity, colour and joy. 

“By delivering high-quality cultural experiences that are accessible to everyone, we’re celebrating the pride we have in our borough, supporting local businesses and showing Oldham at its very best.”