Oldham Marks VE Day

Oldham Town Centre was decked with colourful bunting and decorations as the borough celebrated 80 years since Victory in Europe Day.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Zahid Chauhan, the Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah and the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Abdul Jabbar along with members of the Armed Forces attended the event to kick-start the celebrations across the town. 

The day began with the signing of a commemorative VE Day card outside the Next store in Spindles Shopping Centre, before the dignitaries headed towards the Tommyfield Market to watch singer Abbi-Kaye perform classic wartime hits. 

Local businesses decorated their premises for the special occasion and while on their walks, the councillors bumped into Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, who also featured in powerful roles in Broadchurch, Happy Valley and Mr Bates vs The Post Office. 

At Levers Fish and Chips shop, they were honoured to spend time with veterans.  

They later attended the Civic Centre which was spectacularly lit in the colours of the Union Flag with the VE Day logo proudly projected onto the building.  

Councillor Shah said on social media: "A fantastic day celebrating Victory in Europe day across the town centre with the Mayor of Oldham, serving armed forces personnel Eddie and Martin, businesses at Tommyfield, Spindles and along Yorkshire Street and even some young pupils from Hollinwood Academy.

"In an amazing coincidence as we walked past Fairbottom Street and Oldham Coliseum we bumped into acting legend Julie Hesmondalgh who’d been there doing some filming about the campaign to save our much loved theatre!

"And tonight, we lit up the Civic Tower for the final time before we move out of the Civic Centre in the summer. A fitting end to an era and a great way to round off celebrating 80 years since the Second World War ended in Europe with the Mayor, Jim McMahon MP & other Councillors too."

The Mayor, Councillor Zahid Chauhan added on social media: “It was great to join the VE Day celebrations in Oldham Town Centre this afternoon.  

“A powerful reminder of what Victory in Europe means - the end of war in Europe, the resilience of a generation and the importance of peace. 

“As we reflect on the past, we’re also reminded that peace should never be taken for granted - especially as conflict continues to affect so many around the world today. 

“Thank you to all who helped organise such a thoughtful and meaningful event."