Oldham's new event space The Loom opens as part of £450m regeneration

Oldham's new event space The Loom opened its doors over the weekend alongside the town's new indoor market, marking another milestone in the borough's £450 million regeneration project. The venue, which can host up to 1,000 people standing or 500 for dining, has been designed as a flexible space that can be divided into smaller areas or kept open plan for larger events.

The Loom features three bar areas, a reception space, and a conference room, with the website showing CGI illustrations of potential setups including round tables, long trestle tables, and dancefloors. The venue's website lists possible events ranging from conferences and award ceremonies to weddings, bingo nights, and DJ events, though no specific events are currently scheduled.

Named after Oldham's cotton-spinning heritage, The Loom replaces the Queen Elizabeth Hall as the town's main events venue. The Queen Elizabeth Hall, a brutalist building, is set for demolition to make way for over 800 new homes as part of the wider regeneration plans. The Loom's VIP launch on March 27 included a performance by the Oldham Theatre Workshop.

With Oldham recently named Greater Manchester's Town of Culture 2026-2027, The Loom is expected to play a significant role in hosting cultural events over the coming year. Online bookings are now open through the venue's website, though specific fees aren't listed due to the variety of options available. The venue's flexible design and central location make it a promising addition to Oldham's cultural and events scene.