Hundreds attend 'buzzing' creative takeover of Oldham shopping arcade

This was the moment Oldham families were given heart-warming memories at a joyful creative adventure.

More than 240 people attended Gifted, an interactive craft trail with exciting augmented reality, performances, games, a silent disco, badge, poetry and song making, at the Victorian Hilton Arcade on Saturday.

The free event encouraged people to build a creative gift box to celebrate the diversity of Oldham.

And as our moving photographs show, children and adults alike were left dazzled.

The immersive pop-up was organised by the Oldham-based Stand & Be Counted theatre company and Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

John Tomlinson, executive director of SBC which was the country’s first theatre company of sanctuary, said: “We were blown away by the response to Gifted.

“There was a constant queue of people throughout the day.

“People who took part told us they felt a very strong affinity to that arcade but it had been years since they saw it so alive and buzzing.”

Gifted was designed in just eight weeks, with the input of several local community groups.

Those groups included a Lego making club at Limehurst Library, Vibrant Voices Choir, Manchester City of Sanctuary and the In My Shoes Theatre Group.

Together people made shared boxes of creativity and a book reflecting Oldham’s innovative communities.

A giant version of the book appeared on the arcade entrance and attracted the curiosity of many shoppers on the day.

Around 2,000 regular sized versions of the book were also printed to give away.

Gifted is part of Oldham Coliseum’s ongoing partnership with Oldham-based Stand & Be Counted.

It was supported by Oldham Council and Arts Council England.

John added: “Everyone welcomed the fact this was a free event for everyone on a busy shopping day in December, and that it was a really generous thing for the council to support.

“We can’t wait to work with Oldham Coliseum and the Arts Council on future projects in the town.”

The feedback from people who took part in Gifted was also positive.

One person said: “It brought so many religions and races together.

"We really need that.”

Gifted was the first event in an exciting winter programme from Oldham Coliseum Theatre which will reach thousands of young people this year.

The Coliseum team is also working in association with Oldham Theatre Workshop on the enchanting show 'The Wrong Reindeer' at Oldham Library.

The theatre has funded a schools’ tour of the show for primary school age children.

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