Three Oldham pubs have made the latest edition of the 'Manchester's Best Beer, Pubs, and Bars' guidebook. Released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the book features more than 200 pubs from across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. It also offers a detailed history of beer brewing in Manchester, dating back to the eighteenth century, and celebrates the region's new independent brewers, such as Cloudwater and Track. The second edition of the book is about to be released on April 2, with dozens of new pubs and several new areas added to the line-up. It has been written by Manchester-based freelance photographer and writer Matthew Curtis, who also authored the 2021 CAMRA book 'Modern
Oldham's new indoor market opened on Saturday, March 28, attracting hundreds of shoppers to the two-level space connected to Spindles shopping centre and Parliament Square. The market features around 70 traders, including many from the former Tommyfield Market, which closed earlier this month. The first 100 visitors received goodie bags, and entertainment included a Taylor Swift tribute act, arcade games, and children's activities. Stallholders reported high footfall and positive feedback, though some shoppers found the space crowded. The market has entrances inside Spindles near H. Samuel and on Parliament Square opposite Molino Lounge.
Oldham has been named Greater Manchester Town of Culture for 2026-27, receiving a £50,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver a year-long programme of festivals, performances, exhibitions and community-led events. The award celebrates the borough's rich heritage, diverse communities and growing creative sector through three themes: Reach, Rise and Soar. Councillor Arooj Shah called it a 'huge moment of pride' as the town undergoes £450 million in regeneration. The programme will run throughout 2026 and into 2027, creating new opportunities for residents and attracting visitors from across Greater Manchester.
A building at 31 King Street, Oldham collapsed on March 24, 2026, just three weeks after a council surveyor deemed it 'no immediate danger.' The building, owned by KKS Investors (Cllr Kamran Ghafoor and Sameer Zulqurnain), housed Euro King Mini Market and rental homes. Five people self-evacuated before a structural wall caved in at 12:30pm, with three injured and two hospitalised. Concerns were raised on March 1, but the surveyor referred the issue back to the landlord rather than declaring imminent danger. The owners claim they engaged a structural engineer on March 2 and submitted building notice on March 9, but no works were carried out before the collapse. Around 40 people required temporary accommodation. The council and Health and Safety Executive are investigating the cause.
Award-winning actor Julie Hesmondhalgh has joined Oldham Coliseum Theatre as guest curator, working alongside CEO Martina Murphy as the venue prepares to reopen at its Fairbottom Street home. Hesmondhalgh, who was Olivier Award-nominated this year for her role in James Graham's PUNCH, will help shape an opening season celebrating Oldham and championing northern voices. The theatre is currently being refurbished by Oldham Council as part of a broader plan to establish a cultural campus in the town centre. Hesmondhalgh played a key role in the campaign to save the Coliseum from permanent closure and will work with the Friends of the Coliseum to create theatre 'of and for the people of Oldham'.
Oldham's new indoor market, The Market, opens at 9am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with a day of activities and entertainment. Tommyfield Market closed last week as traders prepared to move to the new space inside Spindles. Shoppers expressed mixed views about the new market, with concerns about accessibility, trader costs, and whether it will attract enough visitors. Some residents are curious to visit, while others worry about the distance from bus stops and whether it will replicate the outdoor market experience.
An inquest has opened into the death of 43-year-old Luke Thompson from Oldham, who was found dead in his car on Broadbent Road, Watersheddings, on March 6, 2026. CCTV showed he parked there around 10:30pm on March 5. A passerby discovered his body shortly after 7am the next morning. Police found drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Thompson was unemployed due to ill health, lived on Cherry Grove in Royton, and was identified using a GMP database photograph and identification bracelet.
An air ambulance was dispatched to Royton town centre on Thursday morning following a crash on Middleton Road near the Co-op store. Emergency services responded to the incident at the junction with Rochdale Road. A pedestrian was treated for injuries that were not considered major. The North West Air Ambulance Charity confirmed its H72 helicopter responded to a road traffic collision in Oldham. Middleton Road was closed for several hours before reopening before midday. No arrests were made in connection with the incident.
An inquest into the death of 63-year-old Yvan Davies from Oldham has been abandoned after police requested to make further inquiries. Mr Davies died in April 2023 when part of a granulator machine nicknamed 'the dinosaur' malfunctioned at Fothergill Polycom Ltd in Chadderton. He was found injured with part of the machine on top of him days after repairs were carried out. The jury inquest, which had already sat through two days of evidence, was dismissed by Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley. Mr Davies' partner Amanda Bartholomew told the court their family hasn't been the same since his death. The coroner said she would provide an update in around six weeks.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) have been rolled out in Oldham, making it the 10th and final borough in Greater Manchester to implement the scheme. The orders, introduced by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, provide more flexible and longer-term protection for victims of domestic abuse, including physical violence, sexual abuse, financial control, and coercive behaviour. Since the first rollout, Greater Manchester Police has secured over 870 DAPOs and made more than 460 arrests for breaches. Over the past year, GMP has seen 2,000 fewer domestic abuse cases across Greater Manchester, with DAPOs playing a major role in reducing repeat offending.
Oldham councillor Kamran Ghafoor, leader of the Oldham Group and Hollinwood ward representative, has issued a statement about the King Street building collapse. The building at 31 King Street, owned by a company of which Ghafoor is a director, partially collapsed on March 24. Ghafoor confirmed that preliminary structural works were being carried out to address concerns about an exposed side wall left vulnerable after a neighbouring building was demolished years earlier. A qualified structural engineer had been instructed, building regulations notice submitted, and professional contractors were engaged. Five people were treated by ambulance crews and two hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services including police, fire, ambulance, air ambulance, and Cadent Gas remain at the scene. The cause remains under investigation with full cooperation from authorities.
Emergency services responded to a building collapse on King Street, Oldham at 12.40pm on March 24, 2026. Five people self-evacuated before fire crews arrived and were treated by paramedics, with two taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service deployed four fire engines, an enhanced rescue unit, two dog units, and a drone from Lancashire Fire Service. A cordon remains in place as firefighters continue clearing the area and conducting searches alongside other emergency services. Cadent Gas isolated the gas supply to the affected property, impacting only that building. Council leader Arooj Shah described it as a 'serious and ongoing incident' and opened a rest centre for displaced residents.
Oldham is set to receive government funding for playground development as part of a £18m national initiative. The funding targets 66 of the most deprived communities across the UK, with areas selected based on high income deprivation affecting children and poor access to play facilities. The money will be used to buy new or upgrade existing playgrounds. Local councils, including Oldham, will receive the funding directly without needing to bid or compete. Communities Secretary Steve Reed stated the government aims to give communities tools and funding to rebuild and restore pride in local areas.
Oldham's Coliseum Theatre has received £656,147 from Arts Council England to support its reopening after closing suddenly in 2023 when funding was withdrawn due to financial and building issues. The grant extends a £1.845m package pledged in 2023 and will fund new governance structures and cultural programming. Deputy leader Elaine Taylor said the funding is critical to Oldham's regeneration strategy, supporting creativity, jobs, and town centre vitality. The council plans to match the funding with £138,000 for the Coliseum and £127,000 for developing a new theatre model, bringing total investment to over £921,000 this year.
A building collapsed on King Street in Oldham town centre just after 12:30pm on an unspecified date in 2026, causing extensive damage and prompting a major emergency response. The facade of the building, which had scaffolding, completely fell away, exposing interior rooms. Five people were assessed by emergency services, with two taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The air ambulance landed on Mecca Bingo's roof, trams were suspended between Freehold and Rochdale Town Centre, and road closures were implemented. Cadent Gas confirmed engineers were securing a damaged gas main, and the cordon was widened later due to a potential gas leak.
A building on King Street in Oldham town centre partially collapsed on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, injuring three people. Emergency services including fire crews, police, and an air ambulance responded to the incident around 12:40pm. Eyewitnesses described hearing a rumble followed by a massive crash, with one calling the scene 'carnage'. Five people self-evacuated from the building before emergency services arrived. Two people were taken to hospital with injuries not deemed life-threatening. The collapse affected a pizza shop and nearby businesses, with King Street being cordoned off and all businesses evacuated.
Amirun Ali, a 59-year-old mother of five from Oldham, secured two school jobs after 40 years as a housewife. She joined the Ingeus Restart Scheme in summer 2025, where advisor Sharon encouraged her to attend group sessions. After completing courses, she earned qualifications in food hygiene, customer service, literacy, and interpreting. Ali handed her CV to a nearby school, which offered her a trial as a lunch supervisor, later becoming permanent. She was then offered an additional position as a playground supervisor across the road. The roles have improved her confidence, health, and independence, helping her manage pre-diabetes and high cholesterol. Ali now shares her story at the Oldham Restart Centre.
Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham was extremely crowded on Saturday, March 21, with traffic and parking chaos reported by Councillor Helen Bishop. Fire risks emerged as people were seen barbecuing, prompting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish a barbecue fire near the boathouse area. A fire engine was dispatched to investigate rising smoke behind trees near a brook. Councillor Bishop highlighted the need for a multi-agency information day to promote the Countryside Code. The area has a history of fire incidents, including the 2018 Saddleworth Moor wildfire, the largest in UK history.
Ben Devall, 30, from Oldham, appeared on BBC Morning Live to share his experience of baby loss and raise awareness about support for fathers. He was interviewed by EastEnders actor James Bye, who has also experienced infant loss. The conversation highlighted the emotional impact on fathers and the need for supportive spaces where men can talk openly. The episode included footage of a Dad Matters walk-and-talk session in Heaton Park, founded by Home-Start HOST CEO Sarah Cook to support fathers' mental health. Mr Devall now works as a teacher and volunteers to support other fathers who have experienced similar loss.
A red car overturned on Broadway near Elk Mill in Royton on Thursday 20 March at approximately 4.15pm. Three people inside the vehicle managed to get themselves out before firefighters arrived. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended with two engines from Chadderton and Oldham, plus a Technical Rescue Unit from Ashton. Firefighters worked with police and ambulance crews to stabilise the vehicle and clear debris. The North West Ambulance Service assessed the casualties at the scene but they did not require hospital treatment. Police confirmed no one was seriously injured. This crash occurred just days after a fatal three-car collision on the same stretch of road killed Michael Margetson from Oldham on March 17.