The popular Oldham Histories Festival and heritage open days event is making a welcome return this year.

Residents will be able to find out more about the people, places, buildings and stories in the borough through walks and talks about architecture, history and more. 

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “It’s good to see that this event is returning after we had to cancel last year’s due to coronavirus.

“There is so much history in our borough and this excellent programme of events gives residents and visitors the chance to learn about this rich heritage, including some of the lesser-known gems.

“Our town has also been home to some extraordinary people and buildings, and this is also a chance to find out about them.”

This year’s event runs from September 10 to 19.

Highlights include:

• Pop up Oldham Classic Car Show – Vintage vehicles will be converging on the town centre as we welcome back the return of our annual Classic Car Show. Just for this year it’s on a slightly smaller scale but Tame Valley Car Club will still be showing an array of vintage and classic vehicles that have been lovingly restored by their owners.
   
• The History of Chadderton - Find out more about the fascinating history of Chadderton from this display of photographs, maps and documents presented by Chadderton Historical Society.
   
• Wonderful Westwood – A guided tour of the historic buildings and fabulous street art in Westwood.
   
• Union Street: The First Southern Internal By-pass and its Listed Buildings - Take a guided walk along one of Oldham’s most famous streets.
   
• The Life and Times of Frederick Scrivener Hilary Basil Baddingon: From Big Game Hunter to the Manager of the Roxy Cinema - A talk exploring the life of one of Oldham’s more colourful characters.
   
• Curry and Culture: A Story of Curry, Heritage and Giving - Online talk exploring the history of the curry industry in Oldham; presented by Oldham Historical Research Group.
   
• Oldham Town Centre Ghost - Uncover some of the ghostly goings-on! A fun walk suitable for children six years and over accompanied by an adult.

The council is also offering some online trails people may like to follow at: www.oldham.gov.uk/town_centre_trail; www.oldham.gov.uk/alex_park_trail; www.oldhamtheatreworkshop.co.uk/ghost-trail

For more information about all the events – and details of how to book a place on one of the events, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/histories_festival_2021

Alternatively contact Oldham’s Heritage Open Days, Oldham Local Studies and Archives, 84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN E: archives@oldham.gov.uk. Tel: 0161 770 4654.

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