Talent show stars to light up Oldham

“BRITAIN’S Got Talent” singing stars Old Men Grooving will be the special guests at Oldham’s Christmas Lights switch-on on Sunday.

The family-favourite event will be a colourful spectacular with a fantastic fireworks display — and it’s all free.

The big countdown is marked by a spectacular stage show, featuring the talent show favourites, as well as the Saddleworth Dance Centre young dancers performing to a Christmas classic.

Talented 22-year-old singer-songwriter Samm Hewitt, who recently worked with Mahdlo senior zone members to produce his single “Stand Tall” with all proceeds going to the youth centre, will also be performing.

Councillor Eddie Moores, Oldham Council’s deputy Cabinet member for economy and enterprise, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is always one of the highlights of the year in the town centre.

“This year we’ve got Old Men Grooving to help carry out the switch-on and the fireworks display will be as spectacular as ever.

“The event provides the perfect way to round off a day of Christmas shopping in the town centre.”

From 2pm there will be a small children’s funfair and a food market to keep visitors warm and well fed before the fun begins.

Children’s favourites Bing and his friend Flop will make special appearances at intervals throughout the day before heading to the stage for the Christmas lights switch-on show.

They will then join Old Men Grooving and Oldham Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, on stage to press the button and switch on the Christmas lights in a blaze of colour. A huge fireworks display will then light-up the night sky above the town centre.

The stage show starts at 4.45pm and lasts around an hour.

The fireworks display will begin at around 5.30pm.

Ticket

Festivities will take place behind Tommyfield Market and will feature entertainment from 2pm.

After the switch-on, the Christmas lights are illuminated daily from 2pm. The town centre’s nativity scene will also be on High Street.

Shoppers can enjoy free parking for three hours at all Oldham Council car parks but must take a ticket from the machine and display it in their vehicle.

Those attending the event should be aware that the only access to Tommyfield Market car park will be from Henshaw Street.

Information about Christmas events can be found at www.visit oldham.com.