Oldham gearing up for lights switch-on

Get ready to enjoy a spectacular evening of festive entertainment as the borough prepare to switch on Oldham's Christmas lights this weekend.

With a variety of fantastic local talent lined up along with special appearances from CBeebies’ big friendly dog ‘Hey Dugee’ and Santa Claus – not forgetting a fireworks finale – it's set to be a wonderful occasion for families to be a part of.

This year's seasonal event, which takes place at the back of Tommyfield Market, kicks off from 5pm on Sunday with local performer Stuart Beech – aka ‘The Singing Pilot’ – commencing the switch-on countdown with a spectacular stage show.

Stuart, who has entertained local venues for the last 20 years whilst flying passengers across the skies, recently rose to fame on BBC One's 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show' after he sang the closing song at London’s Theatre Royal – the rest is history as they say.

More local talent follows Stuart, with a performance from Royton-based group ‘Fierce Dance’ along with a special number from Oldham College who will be performing their community Christmas single for Stop the Traffik called 'Christmas with you'.

Then get ready to rave, sing and dance with Cbeebies ‘Hey Duggee’ who will entertain the crowds with the ‘Stick Song’ and will help Santa to turn on the festive lights, before a fireworks display rounds the night off with a bang.

Keep an eye out for ‘Hey Duggee’, the Oldham Owls ‘Ollie and Millie’ and festive friend ‘Rodney the Reindeer’ who will be making appearances in the build-up to the switch-on event from 1pm in Parliament Square.

Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: "The Oldham Christmas Lights Switch-on, is one of the borough’s most cherished family-friendly calendar events and it is another great example of the council’s free high-quality events offer in the town centre – you really don’t want to miss out.

"It brings everyone together for a night of fun and it’s the perfect festive follow-on from our highly successful Reindeer Parade which saw hundreds of you turn up to see Santa.

"Be sure to come into town early to check out everything Oldham has to offer this Christmas before the town centre is illuminated in all its glory.

"With a wide variety of shops to explore, it’s never too early to get your seasonal shopping done, and why not also grab something to eat beforehand in one of Oldham’s many delicious restaurants? With our great weekend parking offer – you can make a real day of it." 

If you’re planning on driving to the switch-on, you can park for free for up to three hours on all Council-owned town centre car parks. To qualify for this offer, you must take a ticket from the pay and display machine for the length of time you are intending to stay.

For more information on this weekend's event and for more details on what Oldham has to offer this Christmas – including the district switch-on’s, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/ChristmasinOldham.