See Oldham in a new light as four of the town centre’s most iconic venues play host to the borough’s late-night arts festival, Illuminate, on Friday 22 February (6-9pm).
With a range of illuminative-themed performances, attractions and workshops lined up at Oldham Parish Church, Parliament Square, Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham, there’s something for all of the family to enjoy (6-9pm) – and it’s all free.
A Parade of Illumination will kick off the festival at 6pm with a carnival procession of light from Gallery Oldham to the Old Town Hall.
An amazing light spectacular marking 50 years of giant leaps since the historic moon landings will then transform the Old Town Hall. Acclaimed visual artists Illuminos have been working with local residents to create this new 3D projection which celebrates and commemorates our link to the Moon, outer space and technology – it’s a must see.
At Oldham Parish Church, families can enjoy a giant Celestial Sound Cloud – an interactive digital sound and light sculpture by Pif-Paf Theatre – which will be suspended in the Church’s ethereal setting.
Parliament Square will come alive with a host of glowing gastropods, LED umbrellas, Bollywood inspired gigantes and futuristic robot stilt walkers. You can also interact with the Illumaphonium – a multi-sensory sculpture consisting of more than 100 illuminated chime bars that all respond to touch.
Oldham Library will host a captivating multi-sensory journey through the present and future effects of global warming, and you can witness a vista of flames and chemical reactions through an evocative and informative soundscape at Gallery Oldham. Free illuminated arts and crafts will take place in the Gallery foyer with live music at Naked Bean café.
Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is a truly spectacular event.
“It brings hundreds of people into the town centre every year, and this is a prime example of our ambition to build a successful range of events and a programme of activities for families to come into our town centre for.
“With loads of exciting attractions lined up this year, including an amazing 3D projection on our outstanding Old Town Hall, be sure you don’t miss out on a great evening of illumination.”
