Oldham will host a series of free autumn and winter events in 2026 as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, beginning with Feast of Fire on Saturday 31 October and continuing through December with Christmas celebrations.
Feast of Fire – 31 October
The event programme opens with Feast of Fire, a joint celebration of Halloween and Bonfire Night on Saturday 31 October 2026. The event will take place in the town centre around Parliament Square from 5.30pm, featuring fire dance performances and The Lips Halloween Show by Puppets with Guts, followed by a pyrotechnic Halloween fireworks display.
Christmas Lights Switch-On – 14 November
The festive season officially begins on Saturday 14 November with the Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On. The day starts with a family-focused programme from 1pm, featuring meet and greets with Peppa Pig, appearances from Oldham's mascots and activities by the Spindles Kids Club.
The Switch On Show begins at 5.30pm, featuring Father Christmas, Peppa Pig's Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and performances from Fierce Dance. The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, will take part in the celebrations. A local school child competition winner will switch on the town's Christmas lights, with a festive fireworks finale accompanied by a lights and laser show.
On the same weekend, the Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience is coming to the Odeon at Parliament Square on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, at 10am and 11.30am both days, featuring a festive big-screen experience as Peppa Pig and her family celebrate Evie's first Christmas.
December Weekend Events
Brass Monkeys – Saturday 5 December, 11am–4pm: Local and national brass bands will perform, celebrating Oldham's brass band heritage with performances ranging from traditional Christmas carols to funky strolling street bands.
Winter Wonderland Saturday – Saturday 12 December, 12pm–4pm: The town centre will feature festive characters including the Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Winter Wonderland Birds, The Snow Patrol, Lairy Fairy, Dancing Christmas tree and the Bouncing Snowmen, alongside activities from the Spindles Kids Club.
Santa Saturday – Saturday 19 December, 12 noon–4pm: A magical family day featuring Wish Fairies, Festive Funky Hooping, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, Bad Santas and Glitter Belles, with Christmas music from local Brass Bands.
Parking and Information
Parking will be free after 3.30pm in all council town centre car parks. Visitors arriving earlier can get 3 hours free from when they get a ticket from one of the council's machines.
Further details about these events will be shared on the Love Oldham Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to like the page to keep updated on all acts and performances. More information about Oldham's year as Town of Culture is available on the council website.