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Illuminate Light Night 2025 is back - and it's bigger and brighter than ever
Join us and discover Oldham in a whole new light at Oldham’s free family-friendly festival Illuminate Light Night.
Illuminate returns for its eighth year on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February, featuring breathtaking light installations, interactive activities, and performances from talented artists across Oldham and beyond.
The festival opens in spectacular style with the Illuminate Parade on the Saturday evening at 6pm.
The vibrant parade through the town centre will feature dazzling lanterns, dancers, drummers and giant puppets, led by carnival specialists Global Grooves.
Don't miss the free Illuminate lantern making workshops at Gallery Oldham, where you'll learn to craft stunning lanterns to feature in the parade. To book a place on the workshops click [here.]([link removed])
On the Sunday Into the Future, the festival fun continues at Northern Roots, OL8 2BJ.
For more information click on our [website.]([link removed])
Moving Holocaust Memorial Day assembly held by The Radclyffe School
The Radclyffe School hosted a poignant and enlightening assembly to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday.
The event was organised in partnership with Oldham Council, Oldham Youth Council, the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Stuart Ferster from the Northern
Holocaust Education Group, who shared the story of his father Chaim Ferster, a Holocaust survivor who was imprisoned in multiple concentration camps between March 1943 and April 1945.
The Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores performed an opening speech, Year 9 students from The Radclyffe School, who have been
studying the Sho’ah as part of their curriculum, shared the impact that this work has had on them, and Oldham Youth Service and Oldham Theatre Workshop presented their The Listen to the Earth Project. The project involved involved a five day visit to Poland, where they met witnesses of the Holocaust and their descendants and visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps.
Year 9 student Le Prince gave a powerful performance of Golden Hour by Jvke on the piano and Father Phil Sumner, from the Oldham Interfaith Forum, brought the commemorative event to a close with a thoughtful message about the continued relevance of Holocaust remembrance and the need to fight discrimination and hatred in all forms.
The community also came out to pay their respects at a moving service held in Shaw with children from Beal Vale Primary School, Crompton House School and Farrowdale House Independent Preparatory School.
Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: "We hope that Holocaust Memorial Day can be an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past and take actions to make a better future for all."
Visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website for more information[here.]([link removed])
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Let’s fight hate together
It’s Hate Crime Awareness Week in Greater Manchester from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 February.
Hate crimes can take many different forms – for example someone may have damaged your property because of the colour of your skin, sent you offensive letters because of what you believe, or behaved violently towards you because of who you love.
No hate crime is acceptable. We all have a right to live without fear, hostility and intimidation from others.
If you see it or are subjected to a hate crime report it.
To find out more and get support, visit our website by clicking [here.]([link removed])
Have you visited our Family Hubs? We'd love to hear from you
Our friendly Family Hubs offer a wide range of support and activities for families of children aged 0-19, and 25 with SEND - and we want to know what you think.
Your feedback is important to ensure our Family Hubs meet the needs of families across Oldham.
Visit [bigoldhamconvo.oldham.gov.uk/family-hubs-experience]([link removed])
Budget 2025: a step in the right direction for the people of Oldham
Here is your opportunity to have your say about as we set our budget for the borough.
At the very heart of our decision making is protecting vital services for our most vulnerable residents, and that's why we want to hear from you.
Where do you think the Council should save money? And what areas do you think the Council should be spending money on?
The consultation period will run from today until Friday 7 February and
you can take part in the consultation[here.]([link removed])
Councillors will then make a final decision on budget proposals at Budget Council on Thursday 6 March.
Do you need help and support managing a health issue?
If you're employed and managing a physical or mental health concern, the Get Oldham Working Workwell Vanguard, a service dedicated to helping Oldham residents at risk of losing their job or who have become unemployed due to a health issue, can help you.
They have several free access passes to Oldham Community Leisure to support your wellbeing and help you achieve a healthier balance between work and life.
You can also get in touch for get individualised, tailored support from your own personal adviser, therapy and counselling for up to 26 weeks and advice on a bespoke plan for your health needs.
If you would like to find out more and see if you’re eligible, call 0161 770 4674 and ask for Allison Wilkinson or email
[email protected].
Enjoy dancing, singing and play at our free Baby Boogies group
A free Baby Boogies group is held on Thursdays for children aged 0-5.
Bring your little one to the Primrose Centre, OL8 1HX, from 10-11am.
The group, hosted by Spark Oldham as part of our Family Hubs offer, is being held during term time into March.
There is no need to book, just call in.
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Your child's future starts with showing up for school
Your child’s education is the key to their future, and that all starts with them showing up for class.
So let’s make this year their best one yet at school.
For information and support visit [www.oldham.gov.uk/schoolattendance]([link removed])
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