‘Christmas With You’, a single featuring a community choir, band and supporting cast assembled by Oldham College – is out now.

Local musicians, institutions and people from all walks of life have secretly been working together on this extraordinary project for the past nine months. The result is an original and heart-warming song celebrating the spirit of the festive season, but also with a serious message.

All proceeds raised from downloads of the song are going direct to STOP THE TRAFFIK (STT). This is a charity affiliated to Oldham College that is dedicated to raising awareness of the serious and growing issues around human trafficking.

‘Christmas With You’ is a feel-good tune featuring voices, contributions and guest appearances from dozens of students and staff, plus local firms, personalities and civic figures from Oldham Council, Oldham Theatre Workshop, Oldham Band (Lees), Revolution 96.2 and many more. 

It was co-written by lead vocalist Laura Purdey (Manager of the Grange Theatre) with James Atherton (Artistic Director at Oldham Theatre Workshop) who plays the piano on the track.

A cast of Oldham College backing singers are joined by the best of local brass from the Oldham (Lees) Band, led by John Collins, and featuring Sean Fielding, Oldham Council Leader, as a guest cornet player.

All-star in the video alongside the likes of Cllr Ginny Alexander, the Mayor of Oldham, Samah Khalil, Oldham’s Youth Mayor, plus DJs Elliot Eastwick and Di Lynham.

‘Christmas With You’ will be available to download from major online outlets – including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music – in the next few days. Its release will be widely promoted across Social Media using #OCXmas

Alun Francis, Principal and Chief Executive of Oldham College, said: “We’re very proud and excited to be releasing the Christmas With You video today after months of keeping this all under wraps.”

“This is a fantastic project bringing so many different people and groups together for an important cause.

“One of Oldham College’s biggest assets is the diversity of our campus life, which reflects the borough’s communities. Last year, for example, we had learners from 76 different countries of origin and our staff work with around 550 Oldham employers across all sectors.

“We wanted to get everyone involved in doing something upbeat and original – and something positive that celebrates the best things about the festive period: like our connectedness and the spirit of selflessness in thinking about others.

“We hope this song brings cheer to everyone who hears it and, above all, we also hope to raise awareness and funds for Stop The Traffik.”

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