familylife Inside this issue... Autumn/Winter 2017 See what magical Christmas events await you in town centre

Get crafty with HACK Oldham Plus... Win tickets to see this year’s Coliseum pantomime 2 - familylife Welcome to the autumn and winter issue of Family Life This is your personal Christmas brings the usual host of family guide to all the family fun across the borough, starting with activities we have on our traditional parade by Santa and his offer – and there’s reindeers on November 4 and including plenty to keep your firm favourites like our Christmas Lights spirits warm and Switch-On and Brass Monkeys, plus visits help you stay active. from Peppa Pig, Bing and Flop, Fireman Sam and Postman Pat. We’ve got another brilliant line-up of We’ve also lined up a range of interactive free and magical arts and theatre events including entertainment for pantomime, comedy, storytelling and drama all to enjoy, so keep (pages 22–23), ideas for winter activities at this guide handy in home (page 24) and tips on what to do with the coming weeks. your extra Christmas waste (page 25). First up, we’ve got some spooky Halloween If the weather turns bad and you need news activities on pages 4–5. That’s followed on school closures, gritting or travel, you – of course – by the Big Bang Bonfire on can keep in touch with the latest on social Oldham Edge with a funfair, food stalls and media at twitter.com/oldhamalert the best fireworks display around which and facebook.com/loveoldham. one lucky youngster can win the chance We’ve also got winter tips here: to launch in front of thousands of people. www.oldham.gov.uk/winter Find out more on pages 8–9. Please also check on your older neighbours Oldham town centre is changing fast, so and relatives to make sure they are safe. head out with our handy map and guide Finally, if you have any ideas or comments for the best activity ideas from exercise on our entertainment offer, family services to shopping, play, coffee and cinema on and Family Life, please send them via an pages 10–11. email to [email protected] For children and families wanting to learn Have a wonderful time with your family more about technology or media, HACK and friends – and please shop local. Oldham – at our new Digital Enterprise Hub on Yorkshire Street – is the place to be. They are hosting a range of inspired sessions on crafts, photography, gaming and Cosplaying with the chance to learn fantastic new skills based around tech, Cllr Jean Stretton, coding and creative media (pages 12–13). Leader of Oldham Council

familylife - 3 Contents

Spooky Halloween fun 4

Autumn activities 6

The Big Bang bonfire 8

A day out in Oldham town centre 10

Media, making, coding and creating 12

Events planner 14

Christmas in Oldham town centre 18

Shop ‘till you drop this Christmas 20

Find your local Christmas lights switch-on 21

Interactive arts and theatre 22

Winter at home 24

Winter fun 26

Help a young family this winter 27

Schools admissions 2017 – 2018 27

Win pantomime tickets with Oldham Coliseum 28 4 - familylife

Sp o ok y Get your capes, witches hats, brooms and fangs ready for frightfully fun events in Oldham town centre this Halloween. These spooktacular activities can be enjoyed by the whole family… Oldham Spooktacular The Small Cinema: Saturday 28 October, 11am–4pm, free The Gruffalo and Room Take a stroll through the deep dark woods on the Broom (U) and discover lots of spooky goings-on Saturday 28 October, 2pm, £3 per ticket in Parliament Square. Meet The Gruffalo, See the short version of The Gruffalo and who will be appearing at various intervals meet a fun witch and scary dragon in throughout the day at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, Room on the Broom on the big screen. 2pm and 3pm. Each ticket includes a goodie bag with drink and popcorn for all children. Try and tame our fearsome dragon Epico – To book. T: 0161 770 4742 if you dare. Plus look out for the giant eerie trees that spring to life when you www.thesmallcinema.com Oldham Library (Performance Space), least expect it. Oldham, OL1 1AL Listen to the sounds from our giant drumming ants and get close to spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies with Ranger Spooky Saturday

Rob’s animal experience. Plus, take part in Saturday 28 October, 11am – 3pm, free See what creepy activities are going on in chilling arts and crafts throughout the day. Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre www.visitoldham.com throughout the day. Take part in Halloween T: 0161 770 4516 crafts, get your face painted as your Parliament Square, Oldham, OL1 1QN favourite villain or scary character and meet the spooky characters. Oldham Library E: [email protected] Halloween Spooktacular T: 0161 628 5891 (All the family) Spindles Shopping Centre, Friday 27 October, 6–8pm, free Oldham, OL1 1HD Join us for an evening of Halloween mischief for all the family. Wear your best costume and meet characters from the Cosplay Companions Guild, play your favourite retro games, listen to spooky bedtime stories and take part in the Halloween trail. E: [email protected] T: 0161 7708036 Oldham Library, Oldham, OL1 1AL familylife - 5 Halloween It wouldn’t be Halloween without a pumpkin resting near the window. That’s why we’re looking for the best and scariest pumpkins from fun Oldham. To enter your design just take a picture and post it Town Centre Ghost Walk to any social media site with Tuesday 31 October, 5pm and 6pm #FamilyLifeHalloween for ages 6–14, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm The winning pumpkin will be revealed for 14 years+, free on the ‘I Love Oldham’ Facebook Take a spooky tour of Oldham Town Centre page on Tuesday 31 October at 2pm. on Halloween. Uncover the secrets of the Oldham Giant and more terrifying tales – Follow our four easy suitable for those who are not easily scared. Walks start and end at Molino Lounge in steps to carving your own Parliament Square and last for 20 to 30 jack-o’-lantern pumpkin. minutes. 1. Choose a large pumpkin and use a sharp serrated knife to cut off To book visit and www.eventbrite.co.uk the crown. search ‘Oldham Ghost Walk’. 2. Using a large serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and fibres and discard. Safety tips Then remove some of the flesh. 3. With a marker pen, draw a simple Planning on going Trick outline of a face on the pumpkin. Use a or Treating? small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, For information and tips to help you nose and mouth. Always cut away keep the kids out of as much from you in case the knife slips. cheeky trouble as possible visit: Pop a tea light inside the pumpkin, 4. light it and replace the crown. www.safe4autumn.com/ halloween-safety

Don’t forget to share your images with us on social media from the events using the hashtag #LoveOldham 6 - familylife Autumn activities When the leaves change colour and start Full circle autumn falling from their branches you know activities autumn is here. But even when the nights (All the family) draw in and the temperature drops, Monday 30 October, 10am–12noon, free there’s still time to get out and enjoy Brush up on your circus skills this some brilliant events. autumn, try your hand at different sports, activities and take part in classic games Go! wild with Full Circle. (Ages 4–10) E: [email protected] Saturday 28 October, 1–3pm, free www.fullcirclenwcic.co.uk Jump into autumn and explore the George Street Play Area, Shaw, OL2 8HG seasonal surprises that nature brings. Learn about animal hibernation, make a seed ball If you’ve got spare time one afternoon for your furry friends, join in the nut hunt why not visit one of Oldham’s parks and and see what’s on the nature table. Bring complete our autumn checklist? the family along and have fun with a mix of Find the items below and tick them off science, nature and creativity. when you’ve spotted them. To book: www.eventbrite.co.uk T: 0161 770 4742 Gallery Oldham, Oldham, OL1 1AL

Holiday activities (Ages 4–10) 30, 31 October, 1 November, 1–4pm, free (face painting £2) These interactive holiday sessions are linked to the gallery’s exhibitions and you can enjoy arts and crafts, play and more. E: [email protected] www.galleryoldham.org.uk Gallery Oldham, Oldham, OL1 1AL

Show us your finished checklist. Just take a picture and post it to any social media site with the hashtag #FamilyLifeAutumn familylife - 7 Autumn colouring sheet 8 - familylife The Big Bang bonfire Thursday 2 November, 5–8.30pm Bonfire word search One of the biggest and most colourful events of the year is back at Oldham Edge. Can you find these words? The entertainment starts at 5pm with funfair rides and mouth-watering food boom pop stalls to enjoy. bonfire night rockets bang sparklers Watch the fiery stage show from 6pm and crackle see amazing acts from around the UK flame including the breathtaking Flame Oz and explode whoosh Raijin Storm. fireworks whizz The night ends with a spectacular 20 b z s b q w c minute firework display from 7pm that will light up the night sky. a z r x k r a Please make sure you wear appropriate n a e u a o x footwear, wrap up warm, arrive early and g v l c i c f use public transport, if possible, to avoid m q k h d u high demand on town centre car parks. k t l r s k e t For more information visit: a o www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire e m x t h f b p o u s g i w s h e o i Park for free r a c w b r n Don’t forget you can park for free e d o l p x e in all council-owned town centre car parks and on-street parking w u q i m h r from 3pm on the day. o h l o p n i To find your nearest car park visit: r p o p u q f www.oldham.gov.uk/parking k b c a x v n s z z i h w o f l a m e a b familylife - 9 Win the chance Stay safe this to press the big bonfire night red button Hosting your own bonfire? Organised bonfires are the safest option but you can We’re offering one lucky child the find safety tips for using fireworks and chance to press the big red button to holding bonfires here: start the firework show in front of www.safeforautumn.com thousands of people. Fantastic fireworks To enter your child into the draw please visit: Why not fill in the image below with your www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfirecomp favourite colours and create your own firework display?

Don’t forget to share your images with us on social media from the Big Bang using the hashtag #OldhamBigBang 10 - familylife A day in Oldham town centre... We’ve put together a handy map so you can discover the best activities for a day out in Oldham town centre

Tommyfield Market You can also pop into the Market Hall and have a shopping experience like no other. For opening times visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/markets

Have some family fun at OCL Take part in a range of fun family fitness classes at Oldham Community Leisure. Activities include swimming, aerobics, aquajog and much more. For activities and times Town Centre visit: Play Area Stop off at the town www.oclactive. centre play area on High Street co.uk/timetables and watch as the kids jump, swing and run with joy.

Shop, shop, shop... Browse two floors of stores in Spindles Town Square Shopping centre and see what Shopping Suzie’s up to at her kids club. For times and dates visit: www.spindlestownsquare.com

Central Station / library Step off the tram at Oldham Central stop and stroll down to Oldham Library – don’t forget to pick the herbs from the garden outside Positive Steps. Browse the huge range of books in the children’s libraries and see what activities are on offer. For more information visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries familylife - 11 A day in Oldham town centre... We’ve put together a handy map so you can discover the best activities for a day out in Oldham town centre Get involved at Mahdlo Come along and take part in a range of fun activities at Mahdlo youth zone. For times visit: www.mahdloyz.org

Grab a bite to eat Visit one of the many delicious Watch a show or pantomime at eateries or Oldham Coliseum Theatre Finish your day out by restaurants in watching a spellbinding show or pantomime at one the town centre of the oldest theatres still operating in Britain today. for a bite to eat. For a list of shows visit: www.coliseum.org.uk For a full list of restaurants visit: www.visitoldham.com

Watch the latest blockbuster at the ODEON Visit the Old Town

Hall Cinema Spot of lunch Relax and enjoy a spot of lunch and get lost in the at Naked Bean Café located in Gallery latest film – don’t Oldham or pop into the town centre forget your popcorn. and choose from a range of For film times independent cafés. visit: www.odeon. co.uk/oldham

Gallery Oldham Take the lift up to Gallery Oldham, or the stairs if you’re feeling energetic, and explore the three exhibition spaces. Each features unique pieces of work and activity sheets for children to complete along the way. For more information visit: www.galleryoldham.org.uk 12 - famil ylife Media Making

Technology is changing the world and most Table top gaming families use it as part of their everyday Fourth Wednesday of the month, lives. Through social media sites, gaming, from 7pm, free smartphones and computers, we’re all using technology in some way. Play your favourite table top games with other gaming enthusiasts. Pop down and For children wanting to learn more about join in the fun – you can even bring your technology or media HACK Oldham is the own favourite games. perfect place. The co-working space offers a range of classes and sessions, all based Cosplay and prop making around tech, creating, coding and media. Third Saturday of the month, Check out the range of activities below. 12noon–6pm, free Multirotor Night Calling all cosplayers – join HACK Oldham Fourth Tuesday of the month, and work on your latest creation or just sit from 7pm, free and chat to fellow cosplayers. Don’t forget, you can use the hubs high tech equipment Do you own a drone? Bring it along and including 3D printers, laser cutters and the meet up with other drone enthusiasts to air brush. share tips, advice and video footage you’re proud of. Digital drop in Saturday, 10am–3pm, free Kids photography Second Tuesday of the month, Not sure how to work your new tablet? 7pm–9pm Need some tips on how to use your new computer? Pop down to HACK Oldham Learn how to snap the best every Saturday and get advice and tips, or photos at these interactive just get advice on a device that will suit you. photography sessions. Get together with other budding For more information about the classes, or photographers and snap away – to get involved with HACK Oldham, visit: while learning the basics of editing. www.hackoldham.com familylife - 13 Coding Creating

Make. Play. Code. Digital Festival with Oldham Library at Oldham Library Every other Thursday (from 9 Saturday 24 March 2018 November), 4–6pm, free The second Digital Festival is back in The library isn’t just for reading and March 2018. Learn everything you need borrowing your favourite books, it’s also a to about new technology, play your place where you can learn new skills and favourite retro games and try interactive have fun. From Thursday 9 November activities with the whole family. The full line you can take part in ‘Make. Play. up of events will be revealed nearer the Code.’ Sessions. These classes explore time of the event. technology and games with a different For more information theme each month. Activities include E: [email protected] micro: bit coding, stop motion animation, Lego Quest, Lego Technic, Vex Robotics, 3D printing, Raspberry Pi (Minecraft and coding) and more. E: [email protected] T: 0161 770 3669 Oldham Library, Oldham, OL1 1AL 14 - familylife Events Planner

Carnaby School of Dance Alt Halloween Parade Uppermill Ghost Walk (18 months – adults) (All ages) (Ages 7+) Various dates and times, £3+ Friday 27 October, 5–9pm, free 29, 30, 31 October, 8pm, £7.50 Dance, twirl and move at these Grab your capes, vampire teeth Bring the family along and training sessions for budding and costumes and join Alt for a listen to a feast of stories about dancers. To book: Halloween parade around the mysteries told during a 90 E: [email protected] local area. minute walk. To book tickets: T: 07793 555 859 T: 07788804447 www.hardgraft.co.uk www.carnabyschoolofdance.co.uk Alt Estate, Oldham, OL8 1XL Uppermill Civic Hall Car Park, Canon George Hall, Hollinwood, Oldham, OL3 6AE OL8 4QQ Children’s Halloween Party at Yew Tree Club Halloween Fun Day Men Behaving Dadly (Ages 8–12) (Ages 2–12) Monday 30 October, (All ages) Saturday 28 October, 6pm, £4 1–3pm, free Every Saturday, 11.30am–1pm, Join Full Circle for a fantastic Grab your fancy dress costume free Halloween Party this October and and head to Hall For dads and male carers. have some frightful fun. Park for a day of spooky family Join in the free activities every www.fullcirclenwcic.co.uk fun. Take part in orienteering, Saturday morning and bond with Yew Tree Club, Alcester Street, arts and crafts, Crazy Croquet your children. Oldham, OL9 8LE E: [email protected] and Dare to ‘feel’. T: 0161 678 9662 E: mail@oakapple-environmental. www.menbehavingdadly.co.uk co.uk Greenacres Community Centre, T: 07894 572171 Galland Street OL4 3EU Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 0QB GO Explorers (Ages 2–4) Every Friday during term time, 10.30–11.30am, £3.50 Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL Xplorer Orienteering 13, 20 and 27 November and Foxdenton Park (Ages 2–12) 4 December, 1–2pm, £3.50 Sunday 29 October, 1–3pm, Limehurst Library, OL8 3HH free Take part in spooky orienteering Have fun and explore the world for Halloween. Just use the map through creative and messy play to navigate to different points at these weekly sensory sessions. around parks and open spaces. To book: E: mail@oakapple-environmental. E: [email protected] co.uk T: 0161 770 4741 T: 07894 572171 www.galleryoldham.org.uk Foxdenton Park, Springs Road, Chadderton, OL9 9QS familylife - 15

Paint-a-Pottery Outdoor Activities Sand Art (Ages 4–15) with Full Circle (Ages 4–15) Monday 30 and Tuesday (All ages) 5 and 19 November, 31 October, 10am–4pm, Friday 3 November, 11am–2pm, £3 per picture various costs 10am–12noon, free Bring the kids along and watch Saturday 11 November and Spend some time in the them create magical and unique Saturday 9 December, outdoor air and play sports, pictures using coloured sands. 10am–4pm, various costs learn circus skills and play E: [email protected] your favourite games. Bring little artists along and T: 0161 681 4245 paint a piece of pottery. The E: [email protected] www.daisynook.com pieces of artwork will be created T: 07542769514 Daisy Nook Garden Centre, into unique gifts from the kiln to www.fullcirclenwcic.co.uk Stannybrook Road, M35 9WJ take home. High Crompton Park, Shaw, OL2 7JA E: [email protected] T: 0161 681 4245 Super Saturdays www.daisynook.com at Gallery Oldham Daisy Nook Garden Centre, (Ages 4–10) Stannybrook Road, M35 9WJ 4 November, 2 December, 6 January, 1–3pm, free Half term holiday fun The ‘super’ day takes place on at Gallery Oldham the first Saturday of every month (Ages 4–10) and families can draw, paint and Monday 30 October – create pieces of artwork to take Wednesday 1 November, 1pm, home. All the sessions are linked free to the gallery’s exhibitions so Join in with free arts and crafts come along and be inspired. sessions this October half term. E: [email protected] Just drop in, no need to book. www.galleryoldham.org.uk E: [email protected] Gallery Oldham, Oldham, Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, OL1 1AL Bedtime Stories with Greaves street, Oldham, OL1 1AL Wee Willie Winkie Monday 13 November, 6pm–7pm, free Castleshaw Centre Holiday Settle down, listen to bedtime Club (Ages 9–13) stories and help develop a From Tuesday 31 October, relaxing bedtime reading 9.30am–3.30pm routine with your baby. Don’t From Wednesday 1 November, forget to bring their 9.30am–3.30pm favourite teddy or cuddly toy. Light supper for the children From Thursday 2 November, will be served after the event. 9.30am–3.30pm Get your free toothbrush and Discover a holiday club with toothpaste as part of Big Brush a difference and try outdoor Week. Booking is essential. activities including climbing and To book: high ropes, adventure day, caving www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries and camp craft. Places are Oldham Library, Greaves Street, limited. Booking recommended. Oldham, OL1 1AL £35 per day. www.castleshaw.centre@oldham. gov.uk T: 0161 770 8595 Castleshaw Centre, Waterworks Road, Delph, Oldham, OL3 5LZ 16 - familylife

Rockaby Roadshow Mahdlo Lego Club The Small Cinema: (Babies-in-arms) Wednesday 15 November, The Red Turtle (PG) Wednesday 15 November, 4.30 – 6pm, 50p members, £1 Saturday 18 November, 1.15–2.30pm, £5 non-members 2pm, tickets £3 each (includes ‘Baby’s First Build your favourite Lego (Kids get a free goodie bag with Concert’ certificate) masterpieces and take part in drink, popcorn and a treat.) Run by Sally Tonge, these various activities. soothing sessions of live music Ever watched a movie without E: [email protected] are performed by three musicians. dialogue? No? Well now is T: 0161 624 0111 Multisensory lights and aromas your chance. This Oscar Egerton Street, Oldham, OL1 3SE create the right mood to help nominated film tells the story you and your baby relax. of a man who becomes Booking is essential. shipwrecked on a deserted island and meets a giant www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries red female turtle. Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL Don’t forget to join the team for arts and crafts from 12noon–2pm in the foyer before the movie. Make sure to take part in the raffle you could win the DVD to take home. To book: www.thesmallcinema.com/the- red-turtle GO Explorers Oldham Library (Performance (Ages 2–4) Space), Oldham, OL1 1AL 10, 17, 24, November 10.30am–11.30am, free Bring your children (walking age) and enjoy some sensory and messy play at our weekly sessions. E: [email protected] Code-A-Drone Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, Workshop Greaves street, Oldham, OL1 1AL Saturday 4 November 10am–12noon, £20 per person Mum2mum Market Learn the power of coding at (All the family) these fun creative sessions and Sunday 19 November, code a mini-drone to take off, fly, £2 for adults, children free turn, do stunts and land safely. Buy or sell nearly new or new After your training you’ll be given baby and children’s some challenges to put your new clothes and have skills to the test. To book: some fun. T: 0151 345 1419 or email , E: [email protected] , Oldham, OL2 5FG Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, Greaves street, Oldham, OL1 1AL familylife - 17

Christmas Characters Christmas fun at (All ages) Gallery Oldham 18, 19 November, Saturday 9 December, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 December, 1–4pm, free 11am–4pm, free Drop into Gallery Oldham and Come and meet your favourite create your own Christmas Christmas characters including themed crafts to take home. cuddly reindeer, elves, lions E: [email protected] and bears. The Music Centre www.galleryoldham.org.uk Junior Christmas Festival Gallery Oldham, Oldham, OL1 1AL E: [email protected] (All ages) T: 0161 681 4245 Wednesday 6 December, 7pm, www.daisynook.com Adults £6, concessions £3, The Small Cinema: Daisy Nook Garden Centre, family (2children+2adults) £15 Elf (PG) Stannybrook Road, M35 9WJ Saturday 9 December, Once again the Oldham Music Centre is proud to present a 2pm, £3 Christmas Shopping (Kids get a free goodie bag with Charity Event festive concert given by its youngest musicians. The show drink, popcorn and a treat.) Friday 24 November, will feature bands choirs and Buddy was accidentally 7–10pm, free orchestras performing lots of transported to the North Pole Start your Christmas shopping your favourite festive music. as a toddler and raised to early and get those perfect gifts To book: adulthood among Santa’s elves. you need and support your local Don’t miss this festive film with charity Dr Kershaws Hospice. E: [email protected] Santa’s not-so-little helper. T: 07845 569172 T: 0161 770 5660 www.thesmallcinema.com The Blue Club, 19 Victoria Street, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Chadderton, OL9 0HH Oldham, OL1 1QJ Oldham, OL1 1AL

Dr Kershaw’s Christmas The Music Centre Senior Extravaganza Christmas Festival (All ages) (All ages) Sunday 26 November, Sunday 10 December, from 12noon–4pm, adult £1, 3pm Adults £8, Concessions children free £5, Family (2children+2adults), Support a brilliant local cause £21 and get everything you need for Listen to the talent of Oldham’s Christmas. Browse the seasonal most accomplished young stalls, meet Santa at his grotto musicians. A perfect way to start and enjoy scrumptious food your family’s Festive Season. and entertainment. To book: E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 0161 624 9984 T: 0161 770 5660 www.drkershawshospice.org.uk The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Dr Kershaws Hospice, OL26EU Oldham, OL1 1QJ

Junior Zone Climbing Club GO Baby (Ages 0–2) (Ages 8–12) 7 December and 4, 11 January, Daisy Nook Easter Fair 2018 (All ages) Thursday 29 November, 10.30am–12.30pm, free 3.30–5.30pm, 50p members, It’s time for your babies Thursday 29 March – £1 non-members to take over Gallery Saturday 7 April, 1–6pm, various costs Climb your way to the top Oldham at GO Baby. Join the and improve your skills on the team and other families as you Enjoy the fun of the fair and try climbing wall at these active explore different textures, out your favourite rides including sessions. To book: noises and objects related to dodgems, tea cups, and the the exhibitions. T: 0161 624 0111 big wheel. Mahdlo, Egerton Street, E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Oldham, OL1 3SE Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, Stannybrook Lane, Failsworth Greaves street, Oldham, OL1 1AL Oldham, M35 9WJ 18 - familfamilyylife Christmas in Oldham town centre There’s a feast of entertainment for you and the family to enjoy this year as part of our free Christmas events programme. Our magical winter events include the ‘Elf Yourself’ Workshop Reindeer Parade – now in its 20th year and Saturday 18 November, the Christmas Lights Switch-On, with crime 11am–3pm, free fighting trio PJ Masks. There’s also the best in winter tunes at our annual Brass Monkeys Become an elf this Christmas with Spindles event and your favourite TV characters at Town Square Kids Club. Turn your cheeks Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre. rosy red, customise your own elf hat Don’t forget to bring your camera. and receive your official elf certificate to take home. E: [email protected]

Santa’s Reindeer Parade T: 0161 628 5891

Saturday 4 November, 1–4pm, free Spindles Town Square Shopping (Parade starts at 1pm) Centre, Oldham, OL1 1HD Can you hear that? It’s Santa’s Reindeers flying into Oldham. Meet Santa and his Christmas Lights Switch-On merry bunch of reindeers as they parade Sunday 19 November, 1–6pm, free through the town centre. This year’s theme is ‘A Christmas Day Feast’ and features over The fun starts in Parliament Square when 200 artists, performers and local community you can meet TV favourites Catboy, Owlette groups. The parade starts and ends in and Gekko from PJ Masks at intervals Parliament Square, with live entertainment throughout the day at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. until 4pm. Then join them all at Tommyfield Market at Parliament Square, Oldham, OL1 1QN 5pm for the big switch-on show. The X Factor’s very own ‘snow fairy’ Saara Aalto is this year’s very special guest, followed by a fantastic firework display to light-up the night sky above the town centre. Behind Tommyfield Market Hall, OL1 3BG familfamilyylife - 19

Peppa Pig Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 25 November, 10.30am, Friday 8 December – 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, free Sunday 17 December The annual festival is back with more than Peppa is popping in to see all her fans. 60 individually decorated trees for you Come and meet her at Spindles Town to browse and get inspiration from. Why Square Shopping Centre. Don’t forget to not spend an afternoon at Oldham bring your camera. Free face painting will Church and listen to the sounds of carols on also be available. weekdays from 12noon? Don’t forget, the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, café will be open throughout the festival so Oldham, OL1 1HD you can warm up with a cuppa. , Oldham, OL13UH Brass Monkeys Saturday 2 December, 11am – 4pm, free Fireman Sam Listen to traditional Saturday 9 December, 10.30am, music and Christmas 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, free songs at our annual Fireman Sam is leaving Pontypandy to visit brass band festival. Oldham town centre for the day. Pop along National and local to Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, brass bands including meet Sam, snap some pictures and join in The Cory Band, Back with the free face painting. Chat Brass, Global Grooves, Bollywood Spindles Town Square Shopping Brass Band, will perform classic festive Centre, Oldham, OL1 1HD songs throughout the day.

There’s lots of fun activities for the kids Postman Pat and plenty of shopping on offer. Saturday 16 December, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, free Parliament Square and Oldham Parish Postman Pat and his black and white cat Church, Oldham Jess are driving all the way from Greendale to meet visitors in Oldham. Visit Spindles Bing and Flop Town Square Shopping Centre, see if Pat Sunday 3 December, 10.30am, 11.30am, has any mail for you and stroke Jess. 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, free Don’t forget, there’s free face painting for The favourite TV duo will be in Spindles the kids throughout the day. Town Square Shopping Centre to Spindles Town Square Shopping meet little bingsters throughout the day. Centre, Oldham, OL1 1HD Come along, meet the celebrities and get a photo with them. As well as meeting the characters there’s free face painting throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham, OL1 1HD 20 - familylife Shop ‘till you drop this Christmas

If you’re attending the cracking Christmas Santa’s Grotto events don’t forget to visit our independent and chain stores. The town centre is a Santa’s flying to Oldham to meet all the shopper’s haven and has a range to suit well-behaved children. Visit him in his Grotto everyone. Spindles Town Square Shopping in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre Centre offers two floors of high street and tell him what you want for Christmas. names in clothing and fashion, jewellery, The Grotto will be open from Saturday 4 entertainment, toys and more. If shopping November to Christmas Eve at various local is more your thing visit Tommyfield times and days. Market Hall and get your hands on some For the full list of times and dates: fresh produce, winter woollies – including Christmas jumpers – or decorations and T: 0161 628 5891 don’t forget our specialist traders in the www.spindlestownsquare.com Independent Quarter. www.visitoldham.com

familylife - 21 Find your local Christmas lights switch-on Get together with the family and visit your Springhead local Christmas lights switch on. Share your Friday 1 December, 6pm memories with us from any switch-on through Junction of Ashbrook Road and social media. Just post your picture and tag Oldham Road #LoveOldham Greenfield Saturday 25 November, 7pm Friday 24 November, 4–9pm Intersection of bridleway with Christmas market, entertainment for children, Chew Valley Road donkey rides and popular mascots. Shaw, Crompton Library, Oldham, OL2 8NH Lees Saturday 2 December, 4.30pm Chadderton Across from Legends pub, junction of Friday 24 November, 6.30pm St. John Street and High Street A Christmas market will take place in the Town Hall ballroom followed by a ceremony Uppermill to switch-on the Christmas lights. Plus Saturday 2 December, 4–4.30pm entertainment from school choirs and Uppermill Museum and Uppermill Square Chadderton band. Delph , Oldham, OL9 6PP Saturday 2 December, 5.30pm Royton The Swan Pub, Saturday 25 November, 3–6pm Kings Street and Join in the festive fun, lights to be Millgate car park switched on at 5pm. Grotton Royton Centre, Oldham, OL2 6QG Sunday 3 December, Failsworth 6.30pm Friday 1 December, 5–8pm Junction of Oldham Enjoy family entertainment throughout the Road and Grotton Hollow night and watch as the special guest turns on Diggle the lights at 7pm. Sunday 3 December, Failsworth Pole, Oldham, M35 9PB 4.30pm Hollinwood Opposite Warth Mill Thursday 7 December, 6pm Lydgate Hollins Road outside Oasis Academy, Thursday 7 Hollinwood, OL8 4JZ December, 6pm The crossroads of Oldham Road and Platting Road, These dates were correct at the time of going to print. Lydgate For more information visit www.visitoldham.com 22 - familylife Interactive arts and theatre Join us this winter for a spellbinding The Jungle Book (5+) line-up of shows, storytelling and Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 December, performances. From classic tales, to various times, from £9 storytelling sessions and films, there’s Award winning Hard Graft Theatre presents something for everyone. So see what’s ‘The Jungle Book’, based on stories from on, get your family and friends together Rudyard Kipling. Follow Mowgli, Baloo, and enjoy the entertainment. Bagheera and Kaa the Python on their amazing adventures through the jungle.

Dick Whittington (All ages) To book: Saturday 11 November – Saturday 13 E: [email protected] January 2018, 10.15am, 2.15pm and www.hardgraft.co.uk 7.30pm, £13.50 – £20 Civic Hall, Uppermill, OL3 6AE Young lad Dick Whittington has started his journey to seek fame and fortune in London with his rat-catching cat. Will his path to live@thelibrary the happily-ever-after be easy? As ever, this Discover a world of comedy, drama show will be packed with laugh-out-loud and storytelling with live@thelibrary this gags, thigh slapping songs, and a winter. Join us at libraries for the best generous helping of “it’s behind you!” book – themed theatre and film on offer. To book: E: [email protected] Grimm’s Fairy Tales (5+) www.coliseum.org.uk Wednesday 1 November, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Crompton Library OL2 8QY, Fairbottom Street, Oldham, OL1 3SW 2.30pm, free

Peter Pan (6+) Tuesday 2 November, Oldham Library OL1 1AL, 2.30pm, free Monday 11 – Saturday 23 December, various, £7.50 Friday 3 November, Oldham Theatre Workshop, in association Chadderton Library, 2.30pm, free with live@thelibrary, presents Peter Pan by Join Colour the Clouds Theatre Company James Atherton and Sarah Nelson. Fly to as they explore some of the best loved another world with this action-packed new Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The sessions will musical adaptation of the tale and discover include storytelling games, crafts and fairies, lost boys, mermaids and pirates. fun for all the family. To book: www.oldhamtheatreworkshop.co.uk Oldham Library (Performance Space), Oldham, OL1 1AL familylife - 23

Oldham StoryFest Small Cinema

The first Storytelling Festival is coming Alongside the interactive theatre to Oldham. Bring the little readers along there’s a Small Cinema screening to the sessions below and listen to huge films. See their winter award-winning storytellers. programme below: Susanna Oldfield The Red Turtle (PG) Epic Ancient Tales (All ages) Friday 3 November 7pm, free Saturday 18 November, 2pm, £3 Listen to ancient tales where (Kids get a free goodie bag with drink, goddesses with snake hair and popcorn and a treat). powerful Sultans come bursting to life. Watch this beautiful Oscar-nominated film To book: with no dialogue about a story of a man E: [email protected] who becomes