Oldham Council unveils spectacular autumn and winter events for families and local businesses

Oldham Council has unveiled a spectacular line-up of autumn and winter events - complete with exciting new surprises - all designed to bring the community together and support local businesses.

As part of the launch, a brand-new event to celebrate Bonfire Night, is coming to the town centre on Saturday, November 1 from 5.30pm-9pm. 

The fresh fire themed addition to the line-up includes both Halloween and bonfire night creations, and blends performance and spectacle to captivate audiences in front of the Old Town Hall at Parliament Square. 

It will welcome Emergency Exit Arts and Lightfires’s Frank & McStein’s Monster Laboratory show - Out of the Lab, Into the Fire. Guided by Frank and McStein’s eminent colleagues and their team of Igors, audiences will work their way through the six fire-powered and interactive stations, earning power-up tokens and feeding them into the Monster-O-Meter.  

It will be an evening of fiery installations and mesmerising fire dancers. Wander between stunning flame-filled displays, watch artists paint the night sky with sparks, and enjoy thrilling performances that bring heat, light and drama to the heart of the Oldham. 

Running until Sunday, November 2, the Half-term Halloween Trail is now live across the town centre - take a spooky journey through the town centre and see if you can spot Halloween-themed items. Spot them all and you can be in with the chance of winning some spooktacular prizes. 

On Sunday, October 26, the popular Oldham Halloween Half Marathon comes to town. The borough’s 13.1 mile course, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest half marathon events in the country, attracts hundreds of runners every year. 

So, pop into town and cheer on the runners as they set off from the High Street at 9.30am. If you’re up for the challenge, Oldham Active still have places available and they can be booked on the website. 

The much-loved Christmas Light Switch On will return on Saturday, November 15 , lighting up the town centre in festive cheer and officially starting the festive celebrations in Oldham. 

Music, dance and of course Father Christmas himself will make an appearance, plus Bluey and Bingo will be there. The day will end with the iconic firework finale from 5.30pm – 6.30pm in Parliament Square. 

In addition, every Saturday in the run-up to Christmas (November 22, 29 and December 6, 13), the town centre will be filled with festive fun for all to enjoy - including festive street bands, street performers and family drop in creative sessions. 

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah said: “Oldham has a vibrant and proud community spirit, and we’re thrilled to be bringing back some of our much-loved events while also introducing exciting new experiences like this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations for families to enjoy. 

“Our Autumn/Winter programme is one of the highlights of the year, and we put the events on to benefit residents, local businesses and visitors by bringing more people into our town centre. 

“Oldham is a fantastic place during the festive season and this series of activities offers something for all ages, while also supporting our local economy. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy the festivities together.” 

The council is encouraging everyone to shop local and support Oldham’s brilliant businesses during the festive season. 

Tommyfield Market is open and trading as usual until the new year, when they will move into their new home in The Spindles.

Shoppers can park for free for up to three hours on all council-managed town centre car parks every Saturday and Sunday – just remember to take a ticket from the pay and display machine for the length of your stay.