Street treat of fun and theatre...

Photo: Paul Sterritt

MORE fun and games at Festival Oldham.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

FESTIVAL Oldham celebrated its 20th anniversary in style with a feast of street theatre.

Shoppers made the most of the good weather when they flocked to a host of free events in Parliament Square on Saturday

And many had a culinary twist as the theme was "a feast of delights".

Musicians included The Always Drinking Marching Band from Barcelona, the Flat Cap Three and drummers Juba do Leao.

A tightrope walker and stilt walkers were a hit along with dancing chefs, slapstick performers, a puppeteer, a maypole dance with a hip-hop twist, children's craft activities and lots of colourful characters.

Festival organiser Rachel Wood said: "It's been great and a lot of people have enjoyed it.

"We had over 150 performers with a range of street theatre, dance and music, from both the local area and UK wide, and also performers from Europe."

A contemplation space was set up outside Oldham Parish Church to give people a quite space for reflection following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. People could also make paper flowers to "plant" in the church grounds.

People helped Urban Canvas to create a large piece of pavement art which included the Oldham owl and the Manchester bee which has become a symbol of unity after the bombing.

Oldham town centre manager Sara Hewitt said: "It's fantastic that the arts team has put together such a great event. There's a real mix of performers and it's brought a lot of shoppers into the town centre.

"The festival has grown and grown and I congratulate them on celebrating 20 years. Given the difficult week we have had, it's great that people have come out."

• Check out more Festival pictures on our picture sales page.