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 roaming performers to tempt families back into the shops.

The first date, 22 November, turns the precincts Victorian with costumed actors and brassy music. A week later, on 29 November, light-up puppets and illuminated stilt-walkers weave through the crowds during the 'Festive Feast' afternoon.

6 December is given over to a snowy 'Winter Wonderland' complete with a stilt-walking Snow Queen, before Santa's helpers close the series on 13 December with music and workshop games.

Each Saturday runs 12 pm to 4 pm, and the Market Hall keeps its Santa's Grotto open the same hours. Dr Kershaw's Hospice will also run a separate grotto at Spindles from 28 November to Christmas Eve, taking bookings through SantaBooker and funnelling proceeds to the Oldham hospice.

Council leader Arooj Shah says the aim is to give families no-cost entertainment while nudging extra trade towards nearby businesses during the make-or-break festive period.