Vintage cars, live entertainment and a taste of traditional Saddleworth culture will be among the attractions when Oldham town centre turns back the clock later this month.
Nostalgic Oldham will take place on Saturday, September 19, bringing a day of free retro entertainment and family activities to the town centre.
Running from 11am until 4pm, the annual event will celebrate Oldham’s history, traditions and childhood memories, with live performances, vintage vehicles and activities taking place throughout the day.
One of the local highlights will be performances from the Saddleworth Morris Men, who will bring one of the area’s best-known traditional customs to the town centre throughout the day.
The celebrations will be centred around the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, which will host circus performances, live music and strolling street entertainment.
Another major attraction will be the unveiling of a large community-created mural of Oldham by artist Dave Draws in The Market.
The illustrated map celebrates the borough’s heritage and modern-day communities, with local people helping to shape the artwork through drawings, stories and personal connections to Oldham.
The finished mural will be unveiled from 11am before being displayed in The Market.
Visitors will also be able to see a collection of vintage vehicles brought into the town centre by Tame Valley Motors.
The classic cars will give visitors the chance to get up close to historic vehicles as part of the event’s retro theme.
Further entertainment will come from Troupe Dance, Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags and Oldham Theatre Workshop, while Oldham Archives will run a family craft workshop.
Cycling enthusiasts will also have the chance to get a glimpse of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift trophy and meet people involved in bringing the prestigious race to Oldham.
The event will also provide an opportunity to find out more about the Tour de France Femmes’ visit to the borough in summer 2027.
Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: “Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.
“As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we’re proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it’s completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day.”
People looking to extend their visit can also head to Northern Roots from 11am, where the charity will open its new Welcome Building.
The building includes a café and shop, alongside a new Forestry Skills Centre and four additional acres of Urban Farm.
Visitors will be able to sample seasonal dishes, browse the new shop, explore an outdoor children’s play area and buy fresh produce, gifts, books and handcrafted products.
Nostalgic Oldham forms part of Oldham’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, with events and activities taking place across the borough throughout 2026 and 2027.
The free event takes place across Oldham town centre from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, September 19.
For the full programme and event locations, visit https://whatson.oldham.gov.uk/town-of-culture
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