Launch brings in the magic

ON the shoulders of giants . . . the spectacular show

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OLDHAM'S multi-million pound old town hall complex has been unveiled.

Hundreds of residents turned out to celebrate the official opening of the flagship development on Friday night.

A spectacular outdoor display marked the occasion at the £36.7m cinema site when Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon cut the ribbon.

Aerial silk dancers, musicians and performers took to the stage between 7.30 and 8.30pm to provide a free family show.

Spectators gathered to watch "On the Shoulders of Giants", about a schoolgirl who meets local legend the Oldham Giant.

Footage was projected on to the Grade-II listed building using brightly coloured visual effects and illuminations.

Mr McMahon said at the opening: "Welcome, Oldham, to your new old town hall.

"When you go inside, have a look at the heritage and the history of Oldham but more importantly have a glimpse of the future.

"Oldham deserves the best. Never ever accept second best for Oldham again."

The long-awaited development involved three years of construction including improvements to Yorkshire Street and Parliament Square.

All eyes were fixed on the transformed venue which boasts a seven-screen cinema with 768 seats, restaurants and a Costa coffee shop.

Council leader Jean Stretton said at the opening: "Tonight is a very special night for Oldham and we have put together a very special show for you.

"This development is a game changer for Oldham.

"This fantastic building had become a symbol for decline but this development puts Oldham back on the map.

"Please come along and use this facility, enjoy it and tell everyone how amazing it is.

"We all need to be ambassadors for Oldham and proud of it again."

A magical show, written by Sarah Nelson, about a schoolgirl who discovered the borough's beauty, followed the speeches.

The girl saw Oldham from a new perspective after sitting on the shoulders of a giant puppet created by Handmade Parade.

Two aerial silk performers captured the audience with impressive shapes, suspended from a crane which towered over the old town hall.

The story was told by Olivia Cooke and Mina Anwar, comedian Bobby Ball and musician Clint Boon, and featured a live solo performance by violinist Faz Shah.

Saddleworth parish councillor Katrina Roman said: "It was amazing.

"For the first time in a long time I'm proud to be from Oldham.

"I liked that it brought history and magic ­- it was a fabulous show."

Dean Mulligan (66), from Waterhead, who attended with friend Dorothy Taylor (68), said: "It was brilliant. The light projection was unbelievable."

Sara Haile (34), of Belmont Street, Oldham, said: "This is a happy occasion. There are hundreds of people here."

• Were you there on opening night? Have a look at our pictures on our picture sales page.