Santa and his real reindeer fly into Oldham for Reindeer Parade

Santa and his Real Reindeer fly into Oldham for Reindeer Parade

Father Christmas and his team of real reindeer – direct from the North Pole – will be parading through Oldham town centre on Saturday 4 November.

The much-loved annual Reindeer Parade is celebrating its 20th anniversary and this year promises to be the biggest parade yet.

Santa and his reindeer will be joined by more than 250 artists, community groups and dance groups for the parade. The theme this year is a ‘Christmas Day Feast’ – bringing the best elements of everyone’s favourite day of the year.

The parade starts at 1pm from Parliament Square - get there early so you don’t miss the best viewing spot.

Watch out for performances from Dobcross Silver Band, Global Grooves Brass, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, The Incredible Plastic Street Band and Infinity Dance.

The parade sets off from Parliament Square and travels along High Street, Lord Street, Albion Street, Henshaw Street and back along High Street before finishing with a parade finale back in Parliament Square.

After the parade visitors will be able to meet the reindeer when they stop for a well-deserved rest in Parliament Square, before travelling back to the North Pole.

As well as the parade there will be themed street theatre, seasonal music and a chance to watch Santa open his grotto in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “The reindeer parade is the event that kicks off our town centre Christmas programme and has always been a favourite for families across Oldham.

“The parade is the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping early and grab a spot of lunch whilst you see real reindeer up close.

“The parade would not have made it to 20 years if it wasn’t for our committed residents, so I would like to say thank you to everyone who has taken part and attended year after year – rain or shine.

“We encourage everyone to attend this great event and take a look at the rest of our free winter events programme.”

Free car parking on Saturday for three hours in all town centre council car parks. There is also 30-minutes of free on-street parking. You must take a ticket from the machine after parking and display it on your vehicle dashboard.

The next event in the programme is the Christmas Lights Switch-On on, Sunday 19 November at Parliament Square and Tommyfield Market. The spellbinding show will feature a special visit from crime fighting hero’s PJ Masks, the breath-taking Halo Glow Show and X Factor’s very own 'snow fairy' Saara Aalto, followed by an unforgettable fireworks display.

The final event in the programme will be Brass Monkeys, our annual winter brass music festival, on Saturday 2 December.