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Winter Wonderland arrives in Oldham tomorrow 
 
Our third Festive Saturday is set to fill the town centre with icy magic, and enchanting walkabout performers from 12 to 4pm. 
 
Look out for characters popping up across the High Street, including The Living Snow Globe – the Snow Queen drifting inside her giant blizzard-filled globe, Jacks of Frost – tall, icy stilt-walkers sprinkling winter magic wherever they go, Snowball Sprites – giant glowing snowballs whirling and spinning through town, Thawed – where Jack Frost meets the Aurora Borealis tree and Santa’s Grotto will also be open in the Market Hall from 12 to 4pm.
 
And as it’s Small Business Saturday, we're encouraging everyone to check out brilliant independents across the town centre and spend locally. 
 
Check out the full Winter Wonderland line up by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

Celebrate Small Business Saturday
 
Small Business Saturday takes place tomorrow (Saturday 6 December) to celebrate Oldham's businesses and encouraging people to support local traders, independents and family-run shops in their communities.
 
We’ll be marking the occasion with our magical Winter Wonderland in Oldham town centre - featuring The Living Snow Globe, Jacks of Frost stilt-walkers, Snowball Sprites, and a free Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall from 12–4pm. 

 

[Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, joined local MP Jim McMahon, staff from Oldham Council and Vital Energi to mark the start of work at Wrigley Head in Failsworth]([link removed])

Oldham’s first solar farm is now under construction
 
Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, joined local MP Jim McMahon, staff from Oldham Council and Vital Energi to mark the start of work at Wrigley Head in Failsworth.
 
This new solar farm will generate clean local energy, power around 310 homes each year, create green jobs and training opportunities, improve the site for wildlife with new planting and animal friendly fencing.
 
Find out more about the plans and benefits for Oldham [here.]([link removed])

 

[link removed] Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham and Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah at the opening of Lidl

New milestone for Oldham as Lidl officially opens at Hollinwood
 
A brand-new Lidl store has opened its doors at the Hollinwood Junction site.
 
The Mayor of Oldham and Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, joined pupils from local school Hollinwood Academy to open the store and welcome eager shoppers into the supermarket, located on Albert Street just off junction 22 of the M60.
 
Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “It's great to welcome another Lidl store to Oldham. This investment brings new jobs, more choice for residents and another boost for our town."
 
Read the full story by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[Mavis Clegg reading with two of her pupils]([link removed])

"I belong here" — tribute to the headteacher who devoted her life to the children of Oldham
 
We're saddened to share the passing of Mavis Clegg, a much-loved former Oldham headteacher, aged 92.
 
Mavis was headteacher at Eustace Street School and Glodwick Infants School.
 
She was proudly "Oldham through and through," saying "I belong here" and one of the greatest joys of her career was listening to children read.  
 
A remarkable woman who devoted her life to Oldham's children and community - she will be deeply missed. 
 
Read the full tribute to Mavis Clegg [here.]([link removed])

 

[Mayor Cllr Eddie Moores presenting Mahbubur Rahman BEM with a Mayoral Appreciation Award, also attended by Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah]

Awarded for 20 years of charity and volunteer work in Oldham
 
Mayor Cllr Eddie Moores was delighted to present Oldham resident Mahbubur Rahman BEM with a Mayoral Appreciation Award, recognising his remarkable 20 years of charity and volunteer work across the town.
 
Mahbubur has dedicated decades of his life to helping others, taking part in countless community organisations and projects including My Coldhurst, Outta Skool, Red Star Bengal and many more. 
 
His commitment was already recognised nationally in 2023, when he was awarded the British Empire Medal by King Charles. Today’s award felt even more special to him, as he chose to celebrate it alongside close friends who have stood by him throughout his years of service. 
 
Oldham Council Leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, told him how proud she was to see local people being recognised for the difference they make to Oldham, saying it's moments like these that highlight the kindness, hard work and community spirit that make this town so special.
 
A heartfelt congratulations to Mahbubur on this well-deserved honour.

 

[Macey and Andrea looking animated as they play with children at Kidz Matter nursery]

Could you also make a big difference for Oldham's littlest residents?
 
Just like Macey and Andrea, could you be someone who brings joy, confidence, and a little bit of magic to a child’s early years — not just at Christmas, but all year round?
 
Eighteen-year-old Macey began her journey in early years at just 16. Today, she’s a proud Level 2 Practitioner at Kidz Matter Day Nursery in Failsworth.
 
She’s following in the footsteps of Andrea King, who also started as an apprentice at Kidz Matter 12 years ago and has since grown into a Level 6 Practitioner and Toddler Room Leader.
 
Discover more about early years careers by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[Outdoor view of Tommyfield Market bathed in sunlight]([link removed])

Discover the best food spots at Tommyfield Market 
 
Oldham’s town centre is full of great places to grab a bite, and some of the best spots are in Tommyfield Market. 
 
From hearty home style meals and loaded jacket potatoes, to authentic Thai dishes, classic café plates and fresh fruit and veg, the market offers something for every mood.  
 
The market is open six days a week from 9am to 5pm, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack. So next time you’re in town, pop in and try something new. 
 
To watch our short video highlighting the food spots you’ll love click [here.]([link removed] )

 

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A tale as old as time is coming to Oldham
 
This year’s Christmas panto at the Queen Elizabeth Hall is Beauty and the Beast.
 
Running from Thursday 11 December to Sunday 4 January, it’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family 
 
Tickets are on sale now [here.]( [link removed])

 

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Step into the world of Hansel and Gretel this Christmas
 
Oldham Theatre Workshop’s professional company presents a magical take on the classic fairytale. Expect inventive storytelling, song & lots of laughs.
 
The show runs until Wednesday 24 December at Oldham Library.
 
Grab your tickets now by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[Two young children using colouring-in pencils]([link removed])

Don't miss out on your primary school places 
 
The deadline to apply for primary school places is coming up fast – Thursday 15 January at 5pm.
 
Don’t miss out – apply online now at [www.oldham.gov.uk/admissions]([link removed])

 

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