Oldham Council has announced a group of ambassadors chosen to champion the borough during its year as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture. The ambassadors include actors, artists, writers, students and community leaders selected by organisations on Oldham's Cultural Partnership Board.
All have been chosen because of their strong links to Oldham, their work in local communities and their passion for culture.
What the ambassadors will do
Over the coming months, the ambassadors will help in different ways. This could include attending events, sharing what's happening through their own networks and encouraging more people to get involved. They will also share their own stories and shine a light on the people, places and projects that make Oldham's cultural scene distinctive.
Who are the ambassadors?
Abdul Malik Ahad attended Peshkar's first workshop at Werneth Park Music Rooms in 1991 and now chairs the organisation, helping it continue to support young people and underrepresented communities across Oldham.
Mark Newsome was born and raised in Oldham. He began performing with Oldham Theatre Workshop before training at the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He is now an actor and comedian who also supports The King's Trust, CALM and MIND.
Sean Connolly has supported Oldham's cultural life for many years as an actor, volunteer and campaigner. He helps organise events for Friends of Oldham Coliseum and co-hosts the Coli Cast podcast with Julie Hesmondhalgh, keeping people updated about the theatre and its future.
Anne Bardsley is an Oldham artist known for her animal and wildlife pictures. She has exhibited in the Oldham Open, secured a solo exhibition at Gallery Oldham and helped organise the Oldham Art Fair. She is also vice-chair of the Friends of Gallery Oldham.
Phaedra Patrick grew up in Werneth and visited Oldham Library every week as a child. She is now the internationally bestselling author of eight novels, with more than one million copies sold in 28 languages.
Sam Meyer was born in Chadderton and got his start at Oldham Theatre Workshop. He has since appeared in Hollyoaks and reached the final stages of Netflix's Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
Caitlin O'Ryan developed her love of performing at Oldham Theatre Workshop and is now a professional actor and poet.
Council support
Subnum Harriff-Khan, Oldham Council's Head of Libraries, Heritage and Arts, said: "Culture in Oldham isn't just about what happens on a stage or inside a gallery. It's in the stories people tell, the groups that bring communities together and the creativity found across our borough. That's exactly what our ambassadors represent. They all have their own connection to Oldham and have already done so much for their communities."
