Festival lights up hall

UNITED in celebration . . . the Oldham Inter-faith Forum's Festival of Light at Queen Elizabeth Hall

RELIGIONS were united in celebration at Oldham's popular Festival of Light.

Oldham Inter-faith Forum brought people of different faiths together for the event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Tuesday.

Oldhamers celebrated the Festivals of Christmas (Christian), Channukah (Jewish), Deepawali (Hindu) and Mwalid-An-Nabbi (Muslim) under one roof.

There was music from brass band players from Saddleworth School and internationally known artist Hafiz Mizan as well as dancers from Oldham Indian Association.

And there was an explanation of each faith's celebration followed by a buffet.

More than 500 people attended the event, described by organisers as a timely counter-image to the one of segregation often associated with the borough.

This year's event also saw young people from Mahdlo Youth Centre presenting a performance on "Community".

Roger Gould, chairman of Oldham Interfaith Forum, said: "The atmosphere was tremendous. There was a good cross-section of Oldham's communities and people have listened and responded positively to the presentations.

"The performances of the young people involved were particularly appreciated."

One member of the audience, Frank Wisniewsksi, said: "There's been a lovely atmosphere and I will go out from here feeling different. I have a sense of satisfaction for myself and for Oldham."