Theatre group celebrates community spirit at Oldham parade

A theatre group brought colour and community spirit to Oldham's Illuminate parade, creating vibrant masks that lit up the town centre. Stand & Be Counted Theatre partnered with local artist Mel Roberts to design the eye-catching creations, which were worn by participants in the annual celebration of light and creativity.

The project marked a special moment for the theatre company, bringing together their Soap Box groups from Oldham and Bradford for the first time. The invitation came from Global Grooves, the organisers behind the parade, and the collaboration created a powerful sense of unity among participants.

John Tomlinson, joint CEO of Stand & Be Counted Theatre, described the experience as 'phenomenal' for everyone involved. 'It felt like a very important moment to shine light on solidarity, community and being proud of Oldham,' he said, highlighting how the event celebrated both creativity and local identity.

Beyond the parade, the theatre company runs weekly Soap Box sessions across three northern cities, supporting adults seeking sanctuary in Oldham, Bradford, and Sheffield. These creative workshops help participants build confidence, develop English language skills, and form new connections in their communities.

The Illuminate Oldham event was organised by Oldham Council, continuing the town's tradition of bringing people together through arts and culture. For the theatre group's members, taking part in the parade represented more than just a performance-it was a chance to feel visible, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.