Get ready for an unforgettable day of festive fun – the Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the town centre on Saturday 16 November, from 12 to 7pm.
Families from across Oldham and Greater Manchester are invited to experience a day filled with joy and a little extra festive sparkle, as Father Christmas and TV sensation Bluey, comes to town.
From kids’ rides to live entertainment, this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest and brightest yet – and it’s all happening in Oldham town centre.
Market Place and the High Street will come alive from 12pm with classic rides for the little ones like helter-skelter, bungee trampoline, hook a duck, a juvenile para ride and more.
The Magical Glow Bus will be parked outside Positive Steps on Union Street from 9am, showcasing local artwork and celebrating Oldham’s vibrant creativity. Then, at 4pm, watch as stunning light projections illuminate the Lyceum Theatre, adding an extra visual aspect to the festivities.
Over at Spindles Shopping Centre, families can enjoy festive crafts, face painting, and even a Christmas-themed virtual reality adventure, 12 to 4pm. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Mencap Choir will bring holiday cheer, singing classic Christmas carols 12 to 1pm.
Bluey, the beloved TV character, will be making appearances throughout the day – so don’t miss the chance to see her!
You can see her at intervals throughout the day: 2.20pm at Tommyfield Market Hall, 3.25pm at Spindles Shopping Centre and again at 4.45pm at the main switch on stage at Parliament Square.
Following an afternoon of fun and shopping, visitors are invited to watch the Light Switch-On Show in Parliament Square for some classic stage festive antics. The fun kicks off at 4.45pm, featuring Bluey, Father Christmas, Oldham Roughyeds stars and other local sporting figures, and characters from this year’s Oldham Panto. Including Peter Ash from Coronation Street (as Abanazar), Oldham Panto legend Jeffrey Longmore as (Widow Twankey). Plus, Alexander Jude and Michael Alan-Bailey.
The excitement will build to the magical moment when Oldham’s Christmas lights are turned on at 6pm, followed by a spectacular firework and laser show to light up the night sky.
To make the event more accessible to everyone, live screens will be set up at the top of Greaves Street (near the taxi rank) and the High Street (close to Subway), so everyone can enjoy the show. Families concerned about the crowds are encouraged to make use of these large viewing screens.
