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[Two young people looking at an illuminated display ]([link removed])

Blackpool Illuminations meets Oldham as Illuminate returns for 2026 
 
See Oldham in a different light, with the full programme revealed for the ninth annual Illuminate Light Night.
 
Get ready for a dazzling evening of light, art and performance from 6–9pm on Saturday 21 February.
 
Dancing Threads will kick off the evening – a joyful parade with The Dancing Diyas and Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog – from the Civic Centre to the Old Town Hall. 
 
Highlights will include the protective wing sculpture Sentinel, the 3.5m interactive musical sculpture Illumaphonium, life-sized illuminated polar bears  and powerful cello performances by the dreamlike Eternal Ensemble at Oldham Parish Church.
 
And at Parliament Square, Love Oldham, co-created with Blackpool Illuminations, will put into words our love for the town 
.
For more information click [here.]([link removed])

 

[Childminder Kerry Keenan playing in her home with a young girl, both laughing as they play with a yellow fluffy blanket]([link removed])

From the office to early years: Kerry’s career change journey
 
Thinking about a career change that truly fits your life? Kerry Keenan’s story might inspire you to Do Something Big.
 
Kerry made the leap from managing an insurance claims centre into early years childcare, which better suited her family life. Today, she runs Kerry Keenan Childminding Service with her friend Michelle Dixon, making a real difference for young children and their families every day.
 
If you’re also looking for flexible, meaningful work and a fresh career direction, early years could be the perfect next step.
 
Do Something Big today and explore your options[here.]([link removed])

 

[Stepping Forward foster carer Jo with the fostering team]

“Slowly he really is opening up. He’s doing lots of activities he’s really excelling in.”
 
Could you be a Stepping Forward foster carer like Jo?
 
Through Stepping Forward, carers open their homes to children moving from residential care into a loving family environment where they can thrive.
 
As a Stepping Forward foster carer, you’ll receive specialist training and dedicated support, a generous financial package of over £75,000 a year and the chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
 
Call 0300 303 0321 or for more information click [here.]([link removed])

 

[Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah smiling with a market trader at Saddleworth Marina Pop Up Market]

Stalls and smiles at Saddleworth Marina Pop Up Market
 
Oldham Council Leader Councillor Arooj Shah visited Saddleworth Marina Pop Up Market in Greenfield and met some of the brilliant local makers behind the stalls last weekend.
 
Held on the first Sunday of every month from 11am to 4pm, you’ll find 35 traders, live music, great food and free family activities.
 
The next date is Sunday 1 March. So come along, have a browse and support local businesses.

 

Your health matters: National HIV Testing Week in Oldham
 
It's National HIV Testing Week from 9–15 February, and you’re invited to a free HIV and sexual health testing session in a friendly, welcoming space right here in Oldham.
 
There will be free HIV and STI testing, confidential advice and support and free condoms at George Tavern, 42 George Street, OL1 1LB from 7–9pm on Thursday 12 February.
 
You can book your free HIV test in advance at [thebha.org.uk/hivtesting]([link removed]) or [lgbt.foundation/sexualhealth.]([link removed])

 

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Join the conversation: Have your say on the council's budget
 
As we prepare to set the budget for the next financial year, we want to hear from you. Your views can help guide our spending priorities, highlight where savings could be made and tell us what matters most to your community.
 
You can share your ideas and comments by taking part in our public consultation, available [here.]([link removed])
 
Your feedback will play an important role in shaping the council’s decisions for the year ahead.

 

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Living well with menopause: support, strength and practical tools for you
 
Join the BHA for Equality and Oldham Community Leisure for a free menopause wellbeing event covering symptoms, holistic management and strength training designed to help you live well.
 
You're invited to this free event on Saturday 7 February from 6pm to 9pm. 
 
To book your place click [here.]([link removed])

 

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If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, this event is for you
 
Home-Start HOST wants mothers to feel confident feeding their babies anytime and anywhere, and they're celebrating breastfeeding in public with a free, relaxed, family-friendly event on Saturday 21 February.
 
Two sessions will be held at The Environment Centre, Alexandra Park, King's Road, OL8 2BH at 10–11.30am and 11.30am–1pm.
 
On the day, you can meet other parents and share your experiences, chat with supportive health professionals and local organisations, enjoy gentle craft activities and soft play with your little ones and have a free breastfeeding portrait taken as a keepsake of your feeding journey.
 
You just need one ticket for your family and you can book yours [here.]([link removed])

 

[A statue depicting suffragette Annie Kenney, wearing a votes for women sash and ringing a bell, in Parliament Square]([link removed])

Live, work or study in Oldham? This one’s for you 
 
The Oldham Local Plan shapes where homes are built, how our town centres grow and how we protect green spaces and improve transport. It runs to 2039 and now it’s your turn to have your say.
 
Share your views by Friday 20 March. Take a look and comment [here.]([link removed] )

 

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