Oldham Town Centre set to raise the roof as festival returns

Oldham is gearing up for the biggest summer celebration to be staged in the town centre tomorrow (Saturday)

Festival Oldham and the Summer Music Festival returns with a packed day of performances, music and culture.  

Now a much-loved highlight in the town’s cultural calendar, Festival Oldham 2025 promises an unforgettable experience with more than 60 performances and activities across key locations including the High Street, Parliament Square, Gallery Oldham, Oldham Library, Hilton Square, Oldham Parish Church and the Old Town Hall for a full day of free music and family fun between 10am – 7pm. 

This year’s theme – Global Threads – invites local people to explore a rich tapestry of global cultures through a dazzling fusion of music, dance, fashion and art.  

From colourful street theatre to interactive installations, spectacular performances to hands-on creative activities, there’s something to inspire and delight audiences of all ages. 

Hilton Square will stage some amazing dance performances from Sonia Sabri Company’s Mughal Miniatures: The Awakening, transporting people back in time to the richness of the Mughal Empire with a surprising contemporary twist.  

Another line-up includes Closer to my Dreams from Chad Taylor, which is about two young brothers from the inner city of Manchester that have dreams of becoming professional dancers.  

Another one to watch will be four dancers going head-to-head in a dance, fashion and lip sync competition where the audience decides the winner with Ghetto Fabulous’ Family Catwalk Extravaganza. 

Pictured above: Family Catwalk Extravaganza.

Scott Walker will also be at the event with his Doodle Jam and Art Trail where he will invite people to join in and help him create street art in front of their very eyes!   

Turbo & Dai, Bling’n’Ting, and Slo:Rida will be seen roaming around the precinct and making themselves known.

For the younger enthusiasts, there will be activities in the Spindles Town Square. 

Brand new for 2025 – will be Oldham Music Centre’s Summer Music Festival, which will join the celebrations, with 30 music ensembles performing throughout the day, with an incredible mix of sounds and styles – from classical orchestras and brass bands to choirs, rock groups, and musical theatre favourites. 

Performances will take place at iconic venues across the town during the day including: Festival Oldham Main Stage – Old Town Hall, Yorkshire Street and Oldham Parish Church – a historic setting for exceptional musical talent with performances running non-stop.

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Oldham Council, said: “Festival Oldham is one of the standout moments in our events calendar, and this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet. Festival Oldham is all about bringing people together through creativity, culture, and shared experiences. 

"It’s a brilliant opportunity to enjoy world-class performances from local and national performers right on your doorstep and to celebrate the incredible diversity and talent we have here in Oldham.”