Oldham has been named Greater Manchester's Town of Culture for 2026, a title that council leader Arooj Shah described as a "huge moment of pride" for the borough. The award, which comes with a £50,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund, will support a year-long programme of events and activities designed to showcase Oldham’s heritage, diversity, and growing creative sector.

The Town of Culture initiative is modelled on the UK City of Culture concept and was launched by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham when he served as Culture Secretary in 2009. Each year the award highlights the distinctive creativity of one of the region's towns, putting a spotlight on its art, culture, and heritage. This year the title passes to Oldham, whose successful bid, "Rising Up," celebrates the borough’s rich history, its diverse communities, and the energy of its creative scene.

The programme of events will be built around three key themes: Reach, which aims to widen participation and support creative skills development; Rise, which will bring festivals, performances, and exhibitions to the town centre; and Soar, which will support new commissions, community projects, and a lasting cultural legacy. The grant money will be used to develop a series of cultural activities that organisers hope will bring new opportunities for residents and attract visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Councillor Shah said: "This is a huge moment of pride for Oldham and a real vote of confidence in our town. With over £450 million of regeneration transforming our town centre, this recognition shows that Oldham’s future is bright and full of opportunity. Oldham has always been a town of creativity, innovation, and resilience. Winning Greater Manchester Town of Culture gives us the chance to showcase that to the region and beyond."

Mayor Andy Burnham also welcomed the announcement, describing the year as "a powerful statement about the kind of city-region we are building, where culture plays a central role in bringing people together and shaping the future of our towns." He added: "We've seen through previous Towns of Culture how investment in creativity can unlock local talent, strengthen community pride, and breathe new life into town centres. This is Oldham’s moment to shine, and a chance to showcase its energy, diversity, and ambition to the whole of Greater Manchester and beyond."

The "Rising Up" programme will run throughout 2026 and into 2027, with more detailed announcements expected over the coming months. It is intended to create lasting benefits for the borough, building on the momentum of the town centre regeneration and helping to establish Oldham as a cultural destination.