Oldham will host a free programme of autumn and winter events in the town centre as the borough marks its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026.

The run begins with Feast of Fire on Saturday 31 October 2026. The event combines Halloween and Bonfire Night, with fire dance performances, The Lips Halloween Show by Puppets with Guts and a pyrotechnic Halloween fireworks display around Parliament Square from 5.30pm.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On follows on Saturday 14 November. Family activities start at 1pm, including meet and greets with Peppa Pig, appearances by Oldham's mascots and activities run by the Spindles Kids Club.

The Switch On Show begins at 5.30pm, with Father Christmas, Peppa Pig's Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and performances from Fierce Dance. The Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Pam Byrne, will take part before a local school child competition winner switches on the town's Christmas lights. The evening ends with a festive fireworks finale accompanied by a lights and laser show.

The Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience comes to the Odeon at Parliament Square on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, at 10am and 11.30am both days. It follows Peppa and her family as they celebrate Evie's first Christmas, and booking is online.

Themed weekend events then continue through December.

Brass Monkeys runs on Saturday 5 December from 11am until 4pm, bringing local and national brass bands together to celebrate Oldham's brass band heritage, with performances from traditional Christmas carols to funky strolling street bands.

Winter Wonderland Saturday transforms the town centre on Saturday 12 December from 12pm until 4pm, with festive characters, family entertainment and music, including the Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Winter Wonderland Birds, The Snow Patrol, Lairy Fairy, Dancing Christmas tree and the Bouncing Snowmen, alongside Spindles Kids Club activities.

Santa Saturday closes the programme on Saturday 19 December, from 12 noon to 4pm. Visitors can encounter Wish Fairies, Festive Funky Hooping, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, Bad Santas and Glitter Belles, with Christmas music from local brass bands.

Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive at Oldham Council, said: "2026 will be an unforgettable year for Oldham as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. We're delivering an exciting programme of free events, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate and make lasting memories together.

"From the spectacular Feast of Fire to the Christmas Lights Switch-On and festive celebrations, this is a fantastic opportunity to show the region what Oldham is all about: a place full of creativity and community spirit.

"Our brilliant town centre shops and market traders are here to welcome you as we head into the festive season, and we're encouraging everyone to shop local and support Oldham's businesses."

Further details about the acts and performances will be shared on the Love Oldham Facebook page. Parking is free after 3.30pm in all council town centre car parks, and visitors arriving earlier can still get 3 hours free from when they take a ticket from one of the machines.