EXCITING CHRISTMAS events for all the family to enjoy have been announced by Oldham Council.
The festive fun, in association with Oldham Town Centre Business Partnership, starts with the Reindeer Parade on Saturday, November 9 as Santa arrives in the Town Centre at 12.45pm with his real reindeers.
This colourful parade also features Christmas characters, the cast of the Coliseum Theatre’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, and marching bands.
Oldham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Sunday, November 17 featuring live performances from Bob the Builder and the Can-Do Crew.
The stage show starts at 4.45pm followed by the big switch on and a fantastic fireworks display, with entertainment and a street market taking place throughout the day.
Then Brass Monkeys, a new event for 2013, is taking place on Saturday, December 7 when the town centre will be filled with the sound of brass bands.
It’s Winter Wonderland Weekend on December 14 and 15, where children can bounce about inside a giant 50ft inflatable Snowman. This free weekend also features some very ‘cool’ characters.
Victorian Christmas Weekend comes to town on December 21 and 22, including a the big carousel, traditional games and Dickensian characters.
You can also stock up on all your last minute Christmas bargains, fruit and vegetables, fresh turkeys and mince pies in Tommyfield Market Hall, which will be open on the last Sunday (December 22) before Christmas.
To make sure shoppers do not miss anything a Town Centre Christmas events guide with full listings is available to pick up in stores.
Information about all of the events as well as the entry form for the Prize-Draw can also be found at: www.visitoldham.com
The Town Centre’s new mascots, Oldham owls called Ollie and Millie, will be appearing at all the Christmas events to help get everyone in the festive mood.
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, said: “Christmas is a great time of the year and it is also a vital trading period for Town Centre retailers.
“Once again we’ve lined up an outstanding programme of events and performers. The line-up has something for people of all ages and will attract shoppers and visitors who want to take part in the fun.”
Shoppers can enjoy up to three hours of free parking on all town centre council car parks at weekends and 30 minutes on street parking, seven days a week. For more information log onto www.oldham.gov.uk/parking
There is also parking for £1 for three hours on Saturdays in the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre car parks as well as free parking for four hours on Sundays.
