You're invited to the BIG Welcome at Northern Roots

Northern Roots will open its doors for the first time with a free, family-friendly afternoon of food, play, and entertainment on Saturday 19 September, from 12noon to 4pm.

Explore the new play area and Snipe Clough Farm, enjoy live music, meet roaming stilt walkers and unicyclists, and take part in creative and mindfulness activities, face painting and henna art and more at The BIG Welcome event.

The Northern Roots cafe, led by award-winning chef Mary-Ellen McTague, will serve seasonal dishes made with farm produce, alongside an outdoor BBQ, children’s menu, Grandpa Greene’s ice cream, tea and cakes.

Northern Roots, a new urban farm and eco-park in the heart of Oldham next to Alexandra Park on Kings Road, opens for business as usual on Thursday 24 September.

From this date, Northern Roots will be open Thursday to Sunday at 9am to 4pm.

Visit Northern Roots website to plan your visit here.

Explore Oldham’s haunted past during the Oldham Histories Festival

​The Oldham Histories Festival runs from today (Friday 11 September) until Sunday 20 September, with a range of events to explore the stories behind the people, places, buildings in the borough.

From talks to walks, there’s plenty to discover.

Today you can join a ghostly guide for a journey into the town’s shadowy past, with tales of mystery and intrigue from some of Oldham’s most haunted spots from 7pm to 8pm, starting at The Old Museum on Greaves Street, OL1 1DN.

Tickets are £6 for children and £12 for adults.

View the programme and book your placehere.

Discover the stories behind Chadderton Town Hall

Join us on Thursdsay 17 September for a free open day celebrating local history as part of Oldham Histories Festival 2026.

Explore fascinating displays, learn about Chadderton's heritage, meet Oldham Registrars, and uncover stories from years gone by from 11am to 3pm.

Entry is free and no bookings are required.

Come along, take a look around, and celebrate the history of our local area with us.

Ready for a trip down memory lane?

Challenge the family to traditional games and enjoy vintage inspired fun with Oldham Active at Nostalgic Oldham on Saturday 19 September.

Nostalgic Oldham in the town centre is free, family-friendly and guaranteed to bring back a few memories.

See what else is on throughout the day here.

Don't miss the Manchester Camerata at Nostalgic Oldham

The Manchester Camerata String Quartet will be blending timeless music with familiar pop classics in The Market on Saturday 19 September, from 12pm to 12.45pm.

It will be the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere while exploring the event.

Major recognition for The Spindles as regeneration earns award shortlist

We’re really pleased to share that The Spindles has been shortlisted for Retrofit Project of the Year at the Manchester Property Awards 2026.

The Spindles is a major part of Oldham’s wider town centre regeneration, bringing together new offices, the indoor market, The Loom events space, flexible workspaces and our heritage offer all under one roof.

A huge amount of work has gone into bringing the vision to life, with AEW Architects playing a key role in the architectural design and retrofit of the building, helping create modern spaces while making the most of the existing structure.

It’s brilliant to see one of Oldham’s biggest regeneration projects being recognised across Greater Manchester.

Please show respect: No one should face abuse for doing their job

Last week, a bin wagon had its driver-side window smashed by a resident while crews were carrying out collections, and a parking enforcement officer was subjected to abuse while dealing with unsafe and illegal parking.

Our staff are working hard every day to deliver essential services for communities across the borough. These unacceptable actions not only put people at risk but also delay services for other residents.

Please treat our teams with respect as they work to keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and well managed.

Park gets a fresh new look thanks to community investment

Taking a moment to appreciate these improvements at Dogford Park in Royton.

Working with Casey Group and Maysand Ltd, damaged walls in the Fir Street car park have now been repaired, helping to improve the look and feel of the area.

The work was funded through Casey’s Improving Lives Fund, supporting projects that make a positive difference in our local communities.

Parents and carers: Don't miss the chance to have your say

The government wants to hear your views on proposed changes to how childcare for young children is funded.

The plans aim to make childcare more affordable for low-income families, improve support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and make sure funding is shared out more fairly.

Your feedback can help shape future childcare and early years support.

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Monday 14 September.

To take part click here.

More late-night buses are now running

New 24-hour services have gone live, with more buses running into the early hours.

The 83 between Manchester city centre and Oldham now includes extra late-night journeys on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Heading home after a night out? Plan ahead and check the latest times before you travel here.

Got a child in Year 6? Make sure they don't miss out

The deadline to apply for secondary school is 31 October 2026.

It’s quick and easy to apply online here.