Oldham’s spectacular late-night arts festival 'Illuminate' gets set to return this month

Prepare to experience Oldham in a whole new light as Illuminate, the town's popular light night, returns for its seventh year.

This year's theme, "Colour in Nature", will see Oldham town centre and Northern Roots transform into a canvas of colour and light on Saturday 24 and Sunday, February 25.

The fun begins on Saturday, February 24 from 6pm with the annual illuminated Parade from the Oldham Civic Centre to the Old Town Hall.

See hundreds community-made lanterns, galloping horses, flying birds and a giant illuminated octopus that will be sure to light up the High Street.

Look out for illuminated puppets, dancers and drummers from Global Grooves, alongside groups from across Oldham as they create a joyous explosion of colour, music and creativity.

From 6pm until 9pm, visitors can explore the 10 light artworks at various locations across the town centre - all you need to do is grab a brochure and follow the trail.

This years light artworks include a specially commissioned projection on the Old Town Hall Colour In Nature by Illuminos.

There will be End Over End the playful giant rainbow slinky at Gallery Oldham, And Then I Slipped by idontloveyouanymore who bring their playful interactive waterfall to Oldham Library, The World Has Gone Pear Shaped by Tine Beck at Oldham Parish Church Gardens and not forgetting the Luminosi Trees at Market Place by Sound Intervention.

Local artists and performers have been busy creating installations and performances for Illuminate which include special performances of Oldham Theatre Workshop's candlelight showcase of STRIKE at Oldham Parish Church their new musical about the Victorian matchstick girls.

Jubacana, Oldham’s Youth Percussion Band, will bring some groovy tunes to the parade.

Oldham Play Action Group will be creating light up crafts with visitors at Gallery Oldham, and Greater Manchester-based light artists Axolotyl bring their new artwork Polyrhythms which was co-commissioned by the Light Up The North Shine programme for emerging light artists which is not to be missed on High Street.

The fun continues at Northern Roots on Sunday, February 25, 5.30-8pm, for ‘By the Light of the Moon’, an exciting free family event that celebrates the magical world of Moths.

Those attending can meet the moonlight pollinators in the magical forest, help the moths carry out their nocturnal work and join the Moonlight Moth Ball.

Cllr Arooh Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, welcomed the return of the events and said: "I am delighted to bring back this spectacular event to our beloved borough.

“The festival has become a highlight on our ever-growing cultural calendar, and I’m so pleased it's so well received by residents and visitors.”

"This year promises to be even more enchanting for families and individuals of all ages.

"Plus, those who haven’t yet seen the space at Northern Roots can experience it for the first time.

“I encourage everyone to get their friends and family together for what is certain to be a magical weekend of light, celebrating art and community."

For more information about the events, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/illuminate

Illuminate is a member of Light Up The North, who are supported by Arts Council England. 

The project is funded by the UK shared Prosperity Fund.

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