Olympian Henry celebrated on parade

Local swimmers, artists and dancers will make a splash as they recognise swimming hero Henry Taylo

OLDHAM’S sporting legacy will be marked by young performers on Saturday as they join the annual Manchester Day Parade.

Local swimmers, artists and dancers will make a splash as they recognise swimming hero Henry Taylor.

The theme for this year’s parade, which starts at 1pm in Liverpool Road, is Game On and will be a celebration of sports, play and games from the past and present.

Oldham Council’s art development team is co-ordinating the borough’s entry, “Swim Oldham”, which marks the life of the famous swimmer.

Mr Taylor, who was born in Hollinwood, is still the only British Olympian to earn three gold medals in the pool at one Games — the 1908 competition in London.

The parade will feature swimmers from Chadderton Swimming Club, Mr Taylor’s former club with which he trained, swam and worked as a lifeguard.

The club is also celebrating its 120th anniversary this year.

Young people from Infinity Dance, Oldham Theatre Workshop and Young Oldham Dance Company will perform a specially choreographed routine.

And a giant structure — created by artists Mike Green and Gordon Banks — of Mr Taylor swimming through the water will accompany the performers.

The Manchester Day Parade started in 2010 to celebrate the creativity and diversity of the people and places of Greater Manchester.

This year’s event features over 80 community groups and welcomes over 60,000 visitors.

Visit www.manchesterday.co.uk to find out more.