Charge of the light parade!

Illuminate Oldham light show parade through Oldham town centre, Pic shows, the band Spark parading through Oldham town centre.

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A STUNNING parade of light and sound weaved its way through Oldham as part of the town's first ever late night arts festival.

Hundreds braved freezing temperatures and occasional snow showers for Oldham's Illuminate event, turning out to watch a variety of show-stopping performances and attractions.

Residents young and old lined the streets from Oldham Parish Church to Parliament Square and the Old Town hall to watch the dazzling parade of entertainment, led by Spark!, a group of LED-lit drummers who wowed the crowds with their impressive mix of high-impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting design.

No-one was more excited to watch the parade than three-year-old Nathan Stead after he travelled all the way from Bradford with his grandparents Carol and Robert Pedley for the Illuminate event.

Carol said: "We first saw Spark! in Bradford and ever since Nathan has been their biggest fan.

"It's been a brilliant event, Nathan has been mesmerized by everything. It has definitely been worth the trip."

The lucky little boy was even given a drumstick from his heroes at Spark! and his own hand-made lantern from the parade organisers to join in the parade fun along with dozens of other local children.

The amazing five-metre tall illuminated Oldham Giant puppet, created by Handmade Parade for the opening of The Old Town Hall, returned for the parade and was joined by the illuminated Oldham Owl.

A spectacular vision of Shakespeare's The Tempest, complete with carnival performers, magical creatures and an illuminated ship, transported the audience on a voyage across Oldham with the audience getting to interact with performers.

Louisa Tweedale (8) said she enjoyed the show but was shocked when one of the creatures crept up behind her. She said: "He shouted 'Boo' and it made me jump but it was very funny.

"I've really enjoyed watching everything, especially the drummers."

Her dad Geoff agreed the show was very entertaining. He said: "It's great to have a space like Parliament Square for community events and I think it will have a positive impact on the town centre."

Hayley Long said it was the first time she had visited the new Parliament Square since it was created and was impressed.

"We've been to a few light festivals in the past but this one has been very well organised," she said.

"It is fantastic thing for families to be able to watch and enjoy in the town centre and I hope it continues."

Her children Connie (11) and Oliver (8) agreed that the evening had been a lot of fun and that their favourite part had been watching the drummers and the dancers.

The festivities also continued around the town centre with Oldham Parish Church transformed into a giant living canvas as Illuminos projected 3D patterns on to the side of the church, all set to the ringing of church bells.

Gallery Oldham also stayed open late for "A Night at the Gallery" as residents got the chance to tour its collections by moonlight, create their own glowing tulips and hop on board the illuminated vintage bus from Manchester Transport Museum.

• Check out more pictures of the Illuminate event on our picture sales page.