Festival announced in memory of much-loved Oldham musician

Oldham's music community is coming together to celebrate the life of Patrick 'Paddy' O'Hare, a beloved local musician who died last month at just 48 years old. The musician, known for his regular performances across town venues, left behind his young daughter Luna Rose and partner Gina.

A day-long festival called 'Paddyfest' will take place on Saturday, May 9 at Whittles on Roscoe Street, starting with an acoustic afternoon at 3pm before evening performances from 6pm to 11.30pm. The event will feature local acts including Marshall Gill, Hoi Polloi, Born of Beliefs and Fink Ployd, followed by a DJ set.

The festival is free to attend but donations are being collected through Eventbrite, at the door, and via a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised nearly £9,000 for O'Hare's daughter. Radio DJ Mike Sweeney, who performed with O'Hare in a duo, described him as 'a lovely talented man' in a social media tribute.

Local venues Whittles Oldham and the Puckersley Inn in Royton also paid tribute, calling O'Hare a 'great musician' and 'top bloke'. The community response shows how deeply O'Hare was woven into Oldham's music scene, with musicians and venues rallying to support his family while celebrating his musical legacy.