Oldham town centre will turn back the clock on Saturday 19 September for Nostalgic Oldham, a free day of retro entertainment running from 11am to 4pm.

The annual event brings vintage vehicles, live performances and family activities to the town centre. At its heart will be the return of the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, which will host circus performances, live music and strolling street entertainment throughout the day.

Another highlight is the official unveiling of a large community-created mural of Oldham by artist Dave Draws in The Market from 11am. The illustrated map captures the borough's heritage while celebrating modern Oldham, with local people helping to shape the artwork through drawing, storytelling and personal connections to the borough.

Tame Valley Motors will bring a collection of vintage vehicles to the town centre, while the Saddleworth Morris Men will perform throughout the day. There will also be performances and activities from Troupe Dance, Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags and Oldham Theatre Workshop, alongside a family craft workshop delivered by Oldham Archives.

Cycling fans can visit the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent, see the race trophy and meet the people involved in bringing the race to Oldham, which is due to visit the borough in summer 2027.

Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: "Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.

"There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that's exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.

"As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we're proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it's completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day."

Visitors can also head to Northern Roots from 11am, where the charity will open the doors to its new Welcome Building, featuring a café and shop, alongside a new Forestry Skills Centre and four additional acres of Urban Farm. The site will offer seasonal dishes, a shop, an outdoor children's play area, and fresh produce, gifts, books and handcrafted products.

Nostalgic Oldham is part of Oldham's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, with events and activities taking place across the borough throughout 2026 and 2027. The full programme and event locations are available at hla.oldham.gov.uk/event/nostalgic-oldham/.