[Two children playing in a playground. One is smiling as they sit on a swing pushed by the other child ]([link removed])

Tomorrow’s the day! Be among the first to explore Northern Roots

Don't miss The BIG Welcome for Oldham's unique new visitor attraction tomorrow (Saturday 19 September).

Northern Roots, next to Alexandra Park on Kings Road, OL8 2BJ, is opening its doors for the very first time with a free, family-friendly afternoon from 12–4pm.

Visitors can explore the new Welcome Building, including a cafe and shop, discover the four acre Snipe Clough Urban Farm and enjoy the new play area.

Throughout the afternoon there will be free fairground rides, roaming performers, live music, outdoor games, face painting, henna hand painting and creative activities for all ages.

The new cafe, led by award winning chef Mary Ellen McTague, will be serving seasonal food made with fresh ingredients from the farm, and there will also be an outdoor BBQ, cakes, cuppas and ice cream from Grandpa Greene’s.

Everyone is welcome, it's free to attend and you don't need a ticket.

For more information visit [northern-roots.uk/events/the-big-welcome]([link removed])

Northern Roots opens for business as usual on Thursday 24 September and from this date will be open Thursday to Sunday, 9am-4pm.

 

[A group of 70s retro performers in floral outfits and flares in front of a yellow Nostalgic Oldham bus]([link removed])

One more sleep until a fantastic day of fun at Nostalgic Oldham

Tomorrow in the town centre (Saturday 19 September), you'll come across some unforgettable characters, including Harvey Unicycle the one wheel wonder, Oldham's very own Ollie and Millie owls, the toe-tapping Love Train, Musical Ruth, and you might spot one of the huge stilt walkers.

The free retro-themed day of fun, from 11am to 4pm, will feature classic cars, circus acts, traditional games, live performances and family activities inspired by decades gone by.

Plan your day [here.]([link removed])

 

Get up close to cycling history at Nostalgic Oldham

Visit the Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stand in Parliament Square to see the Grand Départ trophy and find out more about next year's route through Oldham.

The team will be there 11am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday 19 September) so pop down and say hello.

 

Discover 240 years of Tommyfield Market at Nostalgic Oldham

The free talk tomorrow will explore the history of Oldham’s once world-famous market and the surrounding area with celebrated author Dr Deb Woodman.

It will be held from 1pm to 3pm at Barker Street Community Centre, off Eden Street, OL1 2XA.

Book your place [here.]([link removed])

 

Step into the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir temple 

Our friends at the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir on Copster Hill Road, OL81QB, are opening their doors tomorrow (Saturday 19 September) for the Oldham Histories Festival and Heritage Open Days.

Step inside the magnificent building, from 10am to 12pm, and discover its beautiful temple, grand prayer hall, and tranquil garden space.

Whether you’re curious about Hinduism, interested in the building, or simply looking to experience a place of peace and reflection, drop in to explore the temple’s history and architecture, meet members of the local Hindu community, and learn more about the faith.

Just drop in, there's no need to book.

 

[A group of young people seated chatting around a table]([link removed])

Oldham selected for two new Young Futures Hubs

We're so excited that Oldham has been selected to join the Government’s Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme, with funding allocated for two hubs in the borough.

The hubs will make it easier for young people to access the support they need including youth services, mental health and wellbeing support, skills and training, routes into employment, sports and creative activities, as well as support for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime.

Young Futures Hubs are designed for young people aged 10 to 18 and up to the age of 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

We’ve secured an initial £100,000 to begin the planning and co-creation work, with further funding available to help deliver the hubs.

Most importantly, young people will help shape what the hubs look like and how they work.

Read the full story [here.]([link removed])

 

Are you thinking about fostering? Come to our free evening webinar

This is your chance to find out more, ask questions and meet our friendly team, at 7-8pm on Tuesday 22 September.

To book a place click [here.]([link removed]...)

Can’t make it? Call our friendly team on 0300 303 0321 or visit [www.fosterforgm.com/oldham]([link removed]) to find out more.

 

It's Recycle Week – and here's how everyone can play their part

Did you know that every year, 2.3 billion recyclable items are thrown away instead of recycled, even though 88% of us recycle regularly?

Recycle in your brown bin: plastic pots, tubs and trays, glass bottles and jars, and drinks cans.

Soft plastics such as plastic film, carrier bags, crisp packets and pet food pouches can't go in your brown bin, but many can be recycled at local supermarkets.

Remember: all items should be clean, empty and free from food or drink before recycling.

Find out what goes in which bin [here.]([link removed])

 

Can you handle the Oldham Halloween Half?

The Oldham Halloween Half, on Sunday October 25,  is 13.1 miles with big climbs and no easy way round it – but it's a challenge you'll never forget.

A gruelling race, it will take you through many miles of countryside, pushing you to the limit whilst offering some of the best scenery the borough has to offer.

Sign up now [here.]([link removed])

 

UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 is now open

Love to shop local and fancy winning a £1,000 Oldham Gift Card?

We’ve teamed up with Town & City Gift Cards on a fantastic new national competition - UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026.

Simply tell us your favourite local business and why they’re amazing for a chance to win a gift card, and the UK’s favourite local business will win a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card too.

Show your love for local

Shops to restaurants, salons to hotels, attractions to services, any local business could take the crown as the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026. Nominating a business shows your love for local so we can help our places to really thrive. The closing date is Monday 30th November at midnight and the winner will be announced in December.

Enter today, free!

It’s super quick to enter the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition, and it’s entirely free! We’ll be celebrating the nominations as they come in, so this is a great opportunity to give a massive boost to a local business. Nominate today at [www.lovelocalwin.co.uk]([link removed])

 

Can you sing, dance or tell a great joke?

Our Rise to the Mic booth is now open and it's your chance to shine.

Head to the Rise to the Mic at Spindles Shopping Centre, on the lower floor between Next and B&M, and get involved.

Simply scan the QR code with your mobile phone, record your video in the booth using your phone and submit it. You can view other people's entries once you've taken part.

Videos recorded each week will be reviewed before being published the following Monday.

There are prizes to be won, including £25 every week and a £100 grand prize.

The booth will be open every day for the next 10 weeks, so don't miss your time in the spotlight.

 

[A group of young school children in red and white uniforms]([link removed])

Make sure you apply for your child's reception class place

Starting school is a big step, and if your child turns five between now and August 2027, they need a reception place.

Apply before the 15 January deadline at [www.oldham.gov.uk/admissions]([link removed])

 

Meet Kieron - a great example of regeneration creating real opportunities

Congratulations to 19-year-old Kieron Knox, who has secured a 12-month role with Seddon as General Labourer, working on the 132-home development in Derker.

After being out of work for more than a year, Kieron joined the Get Oldham Working programme in June this year.

Through dedicated support from the team, he gained his CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card and was connected with Seddon through the Employer Engagement Team, helping him take the next step into employment.

 

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