Oldham Christmas lights switch-on promises festive fun for all the family

Get ready for an unforgettable day of festive fun – the Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the town centre tomorrow (Saturday) from 12 to 7pm.

Families from across Oldham and Greater Manchester are invited to experience a day filled with joy and a little extra festive sparkle, as Father Christmas and TV sensation Bluey, comes to town.  

From kids' rides to live entertainment, this year's celebration promises to be the biggest and brightest yet – and it’s all happening in Oldham town centre.

Market Place and the High Street will come alive from 12pm with classic rides for the little ones like helter-skelter, bungee trampoline, hook a duck, a juvenile para ride and more.

The Magical Glow Bus will be parked outside Positive Steps on Union Street from 9am, showcasing local artwork and celebrating Oldham’s vibrant creativity.

Then, at 4pm, watch as stunning light projections illuminate the Lyceum Theatre, adding an extra visual aspect to the festivities.

Over at Spindles Shopping Centre, families can enjoy festive crafts, face painting, and even a Christmas-themed virtual reality adventure, from 12 to 4pm.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Mencap Choir will bring holiday cheer, singing classic Christmas carols 12 to 1pm.

Bluey, the beloved TV character, will also be making appearances throughout the day.

You can see her at intervals throughout the day: 2.20pm at Tommyfield Market Hall, 3.25pm at Spindles Shopping Centre and again at 4.45pm at the main switch on stage at Parliament Square.

Following an afternoon of fun and shopping, visitors are invited to watch the Light Switch-On Show in Parliament Square for some classic stage festive antics.

The fun kicks off at 4.45pm, featuring Bluey, Father Christmas, Oldham Roughyeds stars and other local sporting figures, and characters from this year's Oldham Panto. Including Peter Ash from Coronation Street (as Abanazar), Oldham Panto legend Jeffrey Longmore as (Widow Twankey). Plus, Alexander Jude and Michael Alan-Bailey.

The excitement will build to the magical moment when Oldham’s Christmas lights are turned on at 6pm, followed by a spectacular firework and laser show to light up the night sky.

To make the event more accessible to everyone, live screens will be set up at the top of Greaves Street (near the taxi rank) and the High Street (close to Subway), so everyone can enjoy the show.

Families concerned about the crowds are encouraged to make use of these large viewing screens.

If you’re driving to the town centre on the day, check out where the nearest car parks are here

Enjoy free parking for the event.

From 3pm onwards, all Council-managed town centre car parks will have covered payment machines, so you can park and head straight to the festivities.

If you arrive between 12pm and 3pm, remember to take a ticket from the machine and display it in your vehicle for free parking.

Spindles parking is also free after 3pm, with the barriers open - no payment needed.

If you arrive before 3pm, it’s just £1 for three hours.

The shopping centre closes at 6pm, and the car park remains open until 9pm, with access from Silver Street.

If you’re planning to use public transport, you can find out more and plan your route on the Bee Network webpage here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.