Oldham Council announces Festive Saturdays in Oldham town centre
Oldham town centre will stay busy for four straight Saturdays this winter as the council lays on free street theatre, puppets, and a Victorian-themed Christmas parade. The hope is that families lured by the shows will linger to shop, giving traders a late-year boost after a tough trading spell.
Each weekend has its own flavour. On 22 November, actors in top hats and crinolines will re-enact carols and street scenes from the 1890s. The following Saturday, 29 November, glowing puppets and stilt-walkers will weave through the crowds handing out mini treats.
A real Father Christmas will hold court inside the Market Hall from noon to 4 pm on every event day, and Dr Kershaw's Hospice will run a second grotto at Spindles from 28 November to Christmas Eve. The hospice asks for pre-booked slots and donations instead of a fixed fee.
Council leader Arooj Shah says the programme was designed so parents don't have to spend anything beyond what they choose to put into local tills. Stallholders report cautious optimism, noting that last year's light switch-on added a noticeable bump to Saturday takings.
At a Glance
| Event dates | 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec-12 pm to 4 pm each Saturday |
|---|---|
| Santa locations | Market Hall (council grotto, 12-4 pm on event days); Spindles (Dr Kershaw's, 28 Nov-24 Dec) |
| Hospice booking | Via SantaBooker; profits support Dr Kershaw's Hospice |
| Cost to public | Street entertainment free; hospice grotto asks for donation |
| First act | Victorian Christmas with costumed carollers and street theatre |
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