Ready for Santa’s Workshop?

Oldham’s final Festive Saturday, Santa’s Workshop, arrives this weekend – and it’s set to be the biggest burst of festive fun yet. Expect elves, music, mischief and magical characters bringing Christmas cheer right across the town centre from 12 to 4pm.

Look out for highlights including Joy Riding Reindeer, Santa’s Drumming Elves, the hilarious Sofa-Driving Santa, and the beautifully illuminated Wint-a-Lings.

Santa’s Grotto will also be open in the Market Hall from 12–4pm.

There’s plenty more acts scheduled for the day so explore the full line-up and plan your visit

The Friends of Foxdenton smiling in the park with the new outdoor gym equipment

Bin collections over Christmas and New Year

There are changes to collections between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If your bin is usually collected on a bank holiday, it will be collected on a different day.

Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December

- Blue bin Monday 29 December

- Grey bin Tuesday 30 December

- Brown bin Wednesday 31 December

- Green bin and food caddy Thursday 18 December and Saturday 3 January

Boxing Day, Friday 26 December

- Blue, grey and brown bins Saturday 20 December

- Green bin and food caddy as normal Friday 19 December and Friday 2 January

Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December

- Blue, grey and brown bins as normal

- Green bin and food caddy one week earlier from 22 to 24 December and one week later from 5 to 7 January

New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January

- All bins collected on Saturday 3 January

Check your bin collection dates here

Oldham’s Nights Before Christmas - discover what’s on this festive season

Oldham town centre will buzzing in the lead up to Christmas with a packed programme of events, activities and nights out taking place across our brilliant local venues.

Whether you’re planning a cosy catch-up, a big night out, or something festive to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, there’s something for everyone.

Expect live music, Christmas parties, quizzes, festive food and drink, crafts, film screenings, bingo, karaoke, theatre and even daytime discos.

Every visit helps our venues thrive and keeps Oldham’s night-time offer vibrant and welcoming.

Explore all the events and start planning your festive fun

17 years of changing lives

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah and local councillors Cllr Mohammed Nazrul Islam and Cllr Shaid Mushtaq recently joined young people and their families to celebrate Outta Skool at their annual awards ceremony.

Outta Skool is a community sports and wellbeing organisation supporting young people and adults across Oldham.

The event also marked Outta Skool’s ninth awards ceremony and brought together young people from a wide range of clubs including Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Football, Kabaddi and Dance.

Awards were given to celebrate hard work, progress and commitment across the year.

Read the full story

Protect our youngest children this winter

Children aged 2–3 can easily catch and spread illnesses, especially during the colder months. Flu can be extremely serious and may lead to complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccine helps make symptoms milder if they catch it, reduces the chance of hospital visits, and protects vulnerable family members too.

This winter, Oldham will have additional drop-in flu vaccine clinics, including at Oldham Library and Beevers and Alexandra Family Hubs. You can also contact your GP practice for advice or an appointment.

For more information and to find participating clinics visit the website here