Nostalgic Oldham

Oldham Town Centre will step back in time on Saturday 19 September, from 11am to 4pm.

Nostalgic Oldham returns with a packed programme of vintage entertainment, live performers, classic cars and family-friendly activities.

This popular free one-day event invites visitors of all ages to celebrate Oldham’s heritage with a modern twist, bringing together everything from classic cars, retro crafts, live performances, traditional dancing, and music from decades gone by.

Keep scrolling for the programme of activities 👇

The Yellow Bus – Parliament Square

11am Harvey Stinton: Enjoy fast-paced juggling, comedy and circus thrills

11:40 Musical Ruth: A hilarious mobile piano act with music, comedy and crowd interaction

11.45 Maynard Flip Flap: Maynard rides a very big unicycle with very little ability, will he or wont he fall

12:25 Betty Brown Bags:  An outdoor theatre show featuring folk storytelling, live music, clog dancing and comedy

13:05 Swank Street Party: Interactive street theatre packed with comedy, music and larger-than-life characters

13:10 The Maniax: Get ready for comedy, illusions, escapes and crowd-pleasing stunts in this high energy show.

13:55 Harvey Stinton: Enjoy fast-paced juggling, comedy and circus thrills

14:35 Steve Faulkner: An award-winning magician and escapologist with a flair for comedy

15:15 Maynard Flip Flap: Maynard rides a very big unicycle with very little ability, will he or wont he fall

Out and About Artists

11:00 Ollie and Millie – Our very own Oldham Owls

11:00 PC Gone Mad – Not your ordinary police officer

11:30 Love Train – All aboard Nostalgic Oldham’s dancing Love Train

11:45 Musical Ruth – lots of laughs with a piano playing nun

11:50 Swank Girl Guides – Anything but prepared!

12:25 Harvey Unicycle – One wheel wonder

12:30 Stilt Walker – Larger than life walkabout fun

12:30 Ollie and Millie – Our very own Oldham Owls

13:00 Love Train – All aboard Nostalgic Oldham’s dancing Love Train

13:05 Maynard Unicycle – Unicycling tricks and laughs

13:10 Swank Street Party – A colourful street theatre performance full of fun

13:35 Stilt Walker – Larger than life walkabout fun

13:40 Musical Ruth – Lots of laughs with a piano playing nun

14:00 Ollie and Millie – Our very own Oldham Owls!

14:10 Swank Street Party – A colourful street theatre performance full of fun

14:30 Love Train – All aboard Nostalgic Oldham’s dancing Love Train

14:40 Stilt Walker – Larger than life walkabout fun

15:00 Ollie and Millie – Our very own Oldham Owls

15:15 Elton Wrong – Elton John, but not as you know him

15:15 Team Bee Gee – Disco favourites live

All Day Long

Frank Rothwell’s Car – Old Town Hall

Meet Frank Rothwell with his steam powered land rover

Tame Valley Classic Car Club – Parliament Square

Admire a stunning collection of vintage and classic cars from across the decades

Tour De Femme Cycles – Parliament Square

Visit the Tour de France Femmes stand to see the Grand Départ trophy and find out about next year’s route through Oldham.

Oldham Community Leisure, Vintage Games – Parliament Square

Step back in time and enjoy traditional games and family fun from years gone by.

Dave Draws Doodle Map Mural – The Market

Come and see Dave’s Doodle Map, created with the people of Oldham, and have a go at creating some doodles of your own.

Nostalgic Zine Making Workshop – TBC

Get creative and make your own nostalgic zine inspired by Oldham’s history and stories.

Pop Up Performances

12:00 – 12:45 | Manchester Camerata – The Market

Enjoy a unique performance from the Manchester Camerata String Quartet, bringing together classical favourites, pop hits and timeless tunes in the heart of Oldham’s Market Hall

13:00 – 15:00 | Troupe Dance Displays – Firth Street  

Oldham’s Troupe Dancers are as vibrant as ever, bringing a celebration of dance, community and local pride to Nostalgic Oldham this year.

11:15 – 11:30 | 12:00 – 12:15 |12:45 – 12:30 | Saddleworth Morris Men – Parliament Square

Experience the timeless tradition of the Saddleworth Morris Men

15:00 – 15:30 | Betty Brown Bags – Firth Street

An outdoor theatre show featuring folk storytelling, live music, clog dancing and comedy

Amazing Extras

Live@thelibrary: The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon

Library Theatre, Oldham Library

Saturday 19 September, 2pm, £5 per ticket

This daft and entertaining show gives you the chance to release your inner pirate, make the sound effects and take part in scenes in a special edition of the play.

240 Years of Tommyfield

Barker Street Community Centre, off Eden Street, Oldham OL1 2XA

Saturday 19 September, 1 – 3pm, free

Join us for a deep dive into the history and heritage of Oldham’s very own and once world-famous Tommyfield Market and its surrounding areas. This free and fascinating talk will be given by celebrated author Dr Deb Woodman.

Booking essential via the Oldham Libraries Eventbrite page click here