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[Cllr Arooh Shah met with town centre businesses]([link removed])
Delight as £266,000 awarded to boost town centre businesses
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Twenty five grants totalling £266,000 have been awarded to local businesses by Oldham Council to improve shop fronts in Oldham.
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The Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah says this investment marks "another exciting step forward" in revitalising and transforming Oldham's high streets.
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The Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme was launched to enhance the developing Oldham town centre and support independent businesses.
The grant scheme is paid for by funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Local Growth and Place Flexible Grants Programme.
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The scheme aims to improve the overall experience for visitors and shoppers, with improvements to business frontages in the Union Street, Yorkshire Street, Henshaw Street and George Street areas.
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Read the full story by clicking[here.]([link removed])
 
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Helping to beat the January blues in Oldham
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January can feel like a long month, but Oldham town centre is helping residents shake off the post-holiday blues with a packed programme of events running throughout the month.
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Local venues have come together to offer a mix of comedy, live music, dance, art and wellbeing events, with something happening every weekend.Â
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Tonight, music fans can enjoy Rock and Metal Fridays at Bank Top Tavern, while Winter Fridays at Liquid and Envy promises a lively start to the weekend.
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Saturday brings an even wider choice, from live tribute acts and disco nights to dance events and family-friendly fun. Highlights include Glory Days – The Springsteen Tribute at Whittles Oldham, Alison Diamon’s Sax and Soul Blues Night at Bees Knees, Dancing Through Decades Disco at Town Hall Tavern, and Mactallica Unplugged live at Bank Top Tavern. There’s also ABC Dance presents – The Billingtons Dance Reunion, alongside A Celebration of K-Pop Demon Hunters Family Party at Liquid & Envy.
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Discover what’s on at [whatson.oldham.gov.uk.]([link removed].)
 
Let it shine! You're invited to Illuminate Light Night 2026
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Illuminate Light Night returns to Oldham town centre on Saturday 21 February, from 6 to 9pm.
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Explore the illuminated townscape of installations, exhibitions and performances by local, national and international light artists across different venues in the town centre.Â
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Join us for the annual parade and large scale artworks – including the breathtaking mirrored installation Happy as the Day is Long, complete with a pop-up silent disco.
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We'll have more information for you coming soon, but for now save the date and we look forward to seeing you there.Â
 
A tribute to Dale Harris, a passionate champion of community and sport
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Oldham is mourning the loss of Dale Harris, a deeply respected and passionate figure who cared enormously about Chadderton and Oldham.Â
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Dale was known for the energy and commitment he brought to everything he did, particularly his work around local football and sport, where he inspired many and helped strengthen the community.
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Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, has paid tribute to Dale, acknowledging the lasting impact he made and how greatly he will be missed.
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Our thoughts are with Dale’s family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time.
 
[Frank Rothwell holding his OBE at Windsor Castle wearing his signature flat cap]
Oldham’s pride: Frank Rothwell awarded OBE
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Huge congratulations to Oldham legend Frank Rothwell, who has today been officially awarded his Order of the British Empire (OBE) at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle, presented by The Prince of Wales.
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Frank, owner of Oldham Athletic, chairman of the Latics since July 2022 and Oldham Council’s Ambassador for Business, received the honour in recognition of his outstanding work as a philanthropist and fundraiser, particularly for his charitable services supporting dementia research.
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A tireless champion for both Oldham and causes close to his heart, Frank’s dedication continues to make a real difference locally and nationally.Â
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A truly well-deserved honour — congratulations, Frank, from everyone in Oldham.
 
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Meet author Adam Farrer
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Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts' Healthy New Year Festival 2026 is hosting An Afternoon with Adam Farrer.
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Join Adam for a Meet the Author event discussing his book Broken Biscuits and Other Male Failures on Friday 23 January at 1pm at Oldham Library.
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Book your free place by clicking[here.]([link removed])
For more info on Healthy New Year Festival visit [hla.oldham.gov.uk]([link removed])
 
[The Mayor of Oldham Eddie Moores and Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah at Gallery Oldham ]
Celebrating 150 years of the RoughyedsÂ
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Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores and Council Leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, visited Gallery Oldham to launch the new Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust exhibition.
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The brand new exhibition celebrates the 150th anniversary of Oldham Rugby League Football Club and marks the first of many celebrations planned for 2026.
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On display is a fantastic collection of memorabilia, including historic shirts, caps and medals from the Roughyeds’ proud history.
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The exhibition is open now and running until Saturday 7 March at Gallery Oldham. Make sure to pop in and help celebrate this incredible milestone.
 
[A bride and groom being showered with confetti by their guests on their wedding day]
Planning your big day? Join us at the Chadderton Wedding FairÂ
Just got engaged? Start planning your dream wedding with us at Chadderton Town Hall on Sunday 25 January.
Meet a selection of local wedding exhibitors offering everything from bridal gowns and car hire to décor and much more from 11am– 3pm.
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Entry and parking is free.
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Book your place by emailing
[email protected]
 
[A cute baby in a cuddly bear suit with ears on the hood]
Calling all parents, parents to be and carers – this one’s for you
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Join us at the free Healthy Baby, Happy You Baby Fair at Oldham Library on Friday 30th January, 10am–1pm.
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Get helpful tips for babies and toddlers from local organisations and sessions for under fives including sensory soft play, Toddler Sense and Little Reads.
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Just drop in to explore, learn and enjoy a lovely morning with your little ones.Â
 
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