Oldham set to stage a line-up of events this Autumn/Winter season

From the fabulous Feast of Fire celebrations to the iconic Christmas Lights Switch-On, the town centre will host an exciting calendar of entertainment for Autumn/Winter. 

The programme will showcase the very best of Oldham's culture, creativity and community spirit with a series of free family-friendly events and kicks off with the Feast of Fire event on Saturday, October 31, 2026. A joint celebration of Halloween and Bonfire Night, this spellbinding event will light up the heart of the town centre with fire dance performances and The Lips Halloween Show by Puppets with Guts followed by a pyrotechnic Halloween fireworks display in the area around Parliament Square from 5.30pm. 

Then, just two weeks later, the festive season will officially begin with the Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday, November 14. The day will begin with a family-focused programme from 1pm featuring meet and greets with Peppa Pig, appearances from Oldham's mascots and activities by the Spindles Kids Club. 

The celebrations will continue into the evening with the big Switch On Show from 5.30pm featuring Father Christmas, Peppa Pig's Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and performances from Fierce Dance. 

The Mayor of Oldham Cllr Pam Byrne will also take part in the celebrations before a local school child competition winner will switch on the town's Christmas lights. The evening will conclude with a festive fireworks finale, accompanied by a lights and laser show. 

To coincide with the switch on, the Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience is coming to the Odeon at Parliament Square on Saturday 14 and Sunday, November 15, at 10am and 11.30am both days.  

Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema for a festive big-screen experience as they celebrate Evie’s first Christmas. To book click here. 

The festive celebrations will continue throughout December with a series of themed weekend events. 

On Saturday, December 5, visitors can enjoy Brass Monkeys, running from 11am until 4pm. Bringing together local and national brass bands, the event will celebrate Oldham's rich brass band heritage with performances ranging from traditional Christmas carols to funky strolling street bands. 

The following weekend, on Saturday, December 12, the town centre will be transformed for Winter Wonderland Saturday. Running from 12pm until 4pm, the event will feature a host of festive characters, family entertainment and music, including the Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Winter Wonderland Birds, The Snow Patrol, Lairy Fairy, Dancing Christmas tree and the Bouncing Snowmen, alongside activities from the Spindles Kids Club. 

The festive programme will conclude on Saturday, December 19 with Santa Saturday, a magical family day filled with seasonal entertainment. Between 12 noon and 4pm, visitors can encounter Wish Fairies, Festive Funky Hooping, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, Bad Santas and Glitter Belles as they bring festive cheer to the town centre alongside Christmas music from local Brass Bands. 

Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive at Oldham Council, said: “2026 will be an unforgettable year for Oldham as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. We’re delivering an exciting programme of free events, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate and make lasting memories together. 

"From the spectacular Feast of Fire to the Christmas Lights Switch-On and festive celebrations, this is a fantastic opportunity to show the region what Oldham is all about – a place full of creativity and community spirit. 

"Our brilliant town centre shops and market traders are here to welcome you as we head into the festive season, and we’re encouraging everyone to shop local and support Oldham’s businesses.” 

At each event, parking will be free after 3.30pm in all council town centre car parks, plus if you are planning to come earlier you can still get 3 hours free from when you get a ticket from one of the machines. 

To find out more about Oldham's year as Town of Culture click here.