Nostalgic Oldham to bring free retro entertainment to town centre

Vintage cars, live entertainment, and traditional performances will take over Oldham town centre for a free celebration of all things retro.

Oldham town centre will turn back the clock on Saturday, September 19, as residents and families are invited to Nostalgic Oldham, a free day of retro entertainment. 

Taking place from 11am to 4pm, the annual event will bring a packed programme of free activities and performances to the town centre, combining traditions, childhood memories and family fun. 

At the heart of the celebrations will be the return of the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, which will become a hub of activity throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy circus performances, live music, and strolling street entertainment. 

Another highlight of the day will be the official unveiling of a huge community-created mural of Oldham by artist Dave Draws in The Market. 

The large scale illustrated map captures the borough's rich heritage while celebrating modern day Oldham. Local people have helped shape the artwork through drawing, storytelling and personal connections to the borough. 

The finished piece will be displayed in The Market following its unveiling from 11am. 

Adding to the retro atmosphere, Tame Valley Motors will roll into town with a collection of vintage vehicles (pictured below), giving visitors the opportunity to get up close to classic motors and enjoy a little automotive nostalgia. 

Visitors will also be able to experience one of the area's best-known traditions as the Saddleworth Morris Men perform in the town centre throughout the day. 

Elsewhere, there will be performances and activities from Troupe Dance, Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags and Oldham Theatre Workshop, alongside a family craft workshop delivered by Oldham Archives. 

Cycling fans can visit the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent, see the prestigious race trophy and meet the people involved in bringing the race to Oldham, while finding out more about the world-famous event's visit to the borough in summer 2027. 

Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts, at Oldham Council, said: "Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today. 

"There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that's exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in amily activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled. 

"As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we're proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it's completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day." 

Visitors looking to make a full day of it can also head to Northern Roots from 11am, where the charity will open the doors to its new Welcome Building, featuring a café and shop, alongside a brand-new Forestry Skills Centre and four additional acres of Urban Farm. 

Visitors can enjoy seasonal dishes, browse the new shop, explore the outdoor children's play area and take home fresh produce, gifts, books and handcrafted products. 

The event is free to attend. For the full programme and event locations, visit: https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/event/nostalgic-oldham/ 

Nostalgic Oldham forms part of Oldham's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, with events and activities taking place across the borough throughout 2026 and 2027. 

To find out what else is coming up, visit: https://whatson.oldham.gov.uk/town-of-culture