Oldham residents are being encouraged to tap into their creative side at the first-ever Making and Doing (MAD) Festival, a brand new event celebrating arts and crafts in the South Pennines. Organised by rural regeneration agency Pennine Prospect, the festival is set to take place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, offering a wide range of hands-on activities for all ages. The event aims to bring together the community in the spirit of making, doing, and exploring creativity, with workshops and demonstrations planned across the weekend.

The festival adds to a growing list of cultural happenings in the region, coming on the heels of a recent sell-out production of Peter Pan at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph. More than 50 local children took to the stage to tell the timeless story of the boy who spends his endless childhood having adventures in Neverland. Audiences were left hooked as young performers provided high-flying fun in the charming Saddleworth theatre, which was packed for both performances.

The success of the Peter Pan production underlines the vibrancy of local amateur theatre and the importance of venues like Millgate Arts Centre. They continue to offer a platform for young talent and community engagement, drawing families from across Oldham and the surrounding villages. It is a testament to the dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of local families who support and participate in these events.

Meanwhile, a countryside lover from Delph is leading a project that will put her home village firmly on the map. Dr Jenny Lunn, 36, is the Discovering Britain Project Manager for the Royal Geographical Society in London, and she is working with a team to create a series of geographical walks all around the country – including one right in her own backyard. The Delph walk will explore the unique landscape and history of the area, offering locals and visitors a new way to appreciate the South Pennine scenery.

Dr Lunn’s project is designed to help people connect with the geography and hidden stories of their local places. The inclusion of Delph in the national series is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the village’s natural beauty and heritage, from its historic mills to its surrounding hills. It also highlights how community-minded individuals are bringing national initiatives to the Oldham area.

From creative festivals to packed theatre shows and outdoor walks, the Oldham area is proving to be a hotspot for community-led activity. The MAD Festival, in particular, promises to be a vibrant new addition to the local calendar, encouraging residents to try something new and meet their neighbours. Whether painting, sewing, woodworking, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there will be something for everyone in this celebration of local creativity.