Archives Display: Northern Roots - Our Heritage Stories
2026-04-04 00:00 - 2026-06-30 23:59 (Europe/London) | Oldham Archives, Ascroft Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL1 1XF, United Kingdom
Northern Roots – Our Heritage Stories is part of our regular programme of archives displays. All our archives displays are free to access during the opening hours at Oldham Archives.
The display brings together items from the archive and a curated selection of research and artefacts from the Northern Roots Heritage Champions. The exhibition explores the site’s industrial past, Victorian leisure spaces such as Strawberry Gardens, and forgotten hamlets, as well as place names still celebrated today across the landscape.
This project is part of the Northern Roots NLHF programme, supporting locally recruited, paid community roles.
Drop in Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Life Drawing with HOP
2026-06-11 18:00 - 19:45 | Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
https://www.lifedrawingwithhop.com/eventsandbooking

Create & connect at our relaxed arty socials! We celebrate the human form in all its glory, whether you’re an experienced artist or trying it for the first time. It’s a laid-back, creative escape for your mind and soul.

Quiet time -reading hour
2026-06-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Lees Library Community Hub, Thomas Street, Lees, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL4 5DA, United Kingdom
A quiet time … in a library ?

Yes , controversial—we know! But we’re setting aside a special time and space just for quiet reading in the library.

We’re usually a hub of activity, with events, classes, and school visits filling the space with energy. But sometimes, we all long for a little calm…

Join us – sit back, relax, and lose yourself in a good book for an hour or so. There’ll be the option to chat about books with fellow readers and library staff—but no pressure at all.

Just bring your book (or find one here!) and enjoy the quiet.

Loneliness Awareness Week 2026
2026-06-15 08:00 - 2026-06-21 17:00 | England
Join us during Loneliness Awareness Weeks for chat, games, crafts or just a cuppa 🙂

To find out more or to book onto any of our bookable sessions, please click here.

Live@TheLibrary: Do You See What I See?
2026-06-15 14:30 - 15:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
This Free event will celebrate with Stand and Be Counted on their launch of their new photobook during Refugee Week 2026.To celebrate Refugee Week 2026, join Stand and Be Counted Theatre for the launch of their new photobook; a collection of images from the point of view of their Soap Box Oldham group. Refreshments and a warm welcome will be provided! Stand and Be Counted is an arts charity and the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary. Their recent works in Oldham include Ripples, Count Me In, Secret Summer, Gifted and GlowBus.

Baby Photobooth
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
At this fabulous session you will have the opportunity to have your baby’s portrait taken with award winning photographer Tim Simpson

Speak English Together
2026-06-17 10:00 - 23:30 | Oldham Library, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Drop-in, informal English Conversation group with a focus on everyday language.

Baby Photobooth
2026-06-17 11:15 - 12:15 | Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves St, Oldham, OL1 1AL

Speak English Together Refugee Week Celebration
2026-06-19 10:00 - 12:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Join us for an introduction to our Speak English Together group as we celebrate Refugee Week. A Speak English Together session, light refreshments, library tours and arts and crafts.

Extra Small Cinema - The Gruffalo
2026-06-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Join us for these extra special Extra Small Cinema sessions to celebrate the opening of Our Beautiful Oldham Exhibition @GalleryOldham. These sessions are free to book.

Our sensory film screenings for under 5s have relaxed seating with bean bags and cushions, sensory play materials and specially chosen early years films are perfect for little ones to get their first cinema experience.

Our Beautiful Oldham: Gallery opening
2026-06-27 10:00 - 14:00 | England
Come and join us to celebrate the opening of our new nature gallery. Explore Oldham’s habitats with storytelling, crafts and an Extra Small showing of the Gruffalo. It’s free, booking is only needed for the Gruffalo (which will be showing at 10-11am and 11.15-12.15pm). Please book your tickets here.

Ping Pong & Sports Activities for the Family
2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Join us on Saturday, 27th, 2-3.30 in Oldham Children’s Library for some sporty family fun!Have a game of table tennis and join in with our other family fun games.June is sports month on our children’s reading calendar. Pick up a sporty read and a calendar on your visit 😊

Mindfulness Walks
2026-06-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Failsworth Library, Oldham Road, Failsworth, England, M35 0EJ, United Kingdom
Adult wellness walks with Oldham Libraries.

Bedtime Stories
2026-07-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Pop on your cosiest PJ’s, bring your teddy and enjoy some rhymes, signs and stories with Eliza Says

Life Drawing With HOP
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:45 | Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Create & connect at our relaxed arty socials! We celebrate the human form in all its glory, whether you’re an experienced artist or trying it for the first time. It’s a laid-back, creative escape for your mind and soul.

Archives Display: 90 Years On - Oldham and the Spanish Civil War
2026-07-17 00:00 - 2026-09-30 23:59 | Oldham Archives, Ascroft Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL1 1XF, United Kingdom
90 Years On – Oldham and the Spanish Civil War is part of our regular programme of archives displays. All our archives displays are free to access during the opening hours at Oldham Archives.
The display brings together items from the archive and a curated selection of film, sound and photographs on our digital kiosk. The archive material explores the contribution Charles Armitage made as a soldier in Spain and as a sponsor of Basque refugee children evacuated to England during and after the war. The digital kiosk brings together biographies and images of all ten Oldham men who fought in Spain: Clem Beckett, Harry Roland Heap, Joseph Maynard Lees, Clifford Wolstencroft, Albert Charlesworth, William Jackson, Charles Hanson, Kenneth Bradbury, Charles Armitage and Joseph Buckley.
Drop in Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Story Time
2026-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Royton Library, Rochdale Road, Royton, England, OL2 6QJ, United Kingdom
Come and join us at Royton Library to listen to some stories. Enjoy exploring books together. This activity is suitable for children aged 5 and below but siblings and family members are very welcome to come along.

Fraud Awareness at Fitton Hill Library
2026-07-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Fitton Hill Library, Fircroft Road, Oldham, England, OL8 2QD, United Kingdom
Come along to our fraud event to find out about the latest scams and how to protect yourself from them.

Live@TheLibrary: Tell Me Where It Hurts
2026-07-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Award-winning production company Teepee Productions presents Tell Me Where It Hurts.

This powerful comedy-drama follows Chrissy, a dedicated drama teacher navigating life with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). She is determined to stage the school play while also mentoring Annie, a talented yet troubled student who is auditioning for a prestigious performing arts school. As both women wrestle with their own bodies and emotions, they find themselves facing a shared struggle… the feeling of being unheard and misunderstood by the world around them. At the same time, Chrissy is grappling with tensions in her personal life, particularly with her partner, Nathan, who longs for a child, a desire that clashes with her own uncertainties. The play sheds light on the resilience required to manage women’s health issues in a world that often fails to recognise them.
Previous audience reactions:“Gripped from start to finish”“Everyone should see this”“Relatable & truthful. Very human”
Trigger warnings: Exploration of mental health, references to suicide and self-harm, strong language. Recommended for ages 14+.

Gallery Talk: Natural History Collection
2026-07-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
This is part of our monthly talk programme. All our talks are free, informal and last around 40 minutes with time to ask questions at the end.
Join our curator Patricia Francis for a tour of our brand new Our Beautiful Oldham gallery. She will share stories about the birds, animals, plants and insects on display.
Meet in Our Beautiful Oldham Gallery. No need to book.

Come and Play! With Stoller Story Sounds
2026-07-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Drop in any time to join storyteller Faz Shah, illustrator Lizzie Finlay, and musician Gemma Ashcroft for music-making, illustration, storytelling, and more – inviting children to play, imagine, and explore.Perfect for children aged 3-5 (and their grown-ups!) Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Live@TheLibrary: The Ultimate Bubble Show
2026-07-28 11:00 - 12:05, 2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:05 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, presents THE ULTIMATE BUBBLE SHOW!

Ray is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble!
This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as he uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays.
Prepare to be amazed as he creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!
The show was inspired by Ray’s work with SEND schools, adult neurodivergent groups, and science centres across Europe.
The performance is suitable for children and adults with additional needs.
Join Ray and see if he can create the ultimate square bubble!
Book via link below!

Live@TheLibrary: The Ultimate Bubble Show
2026-07-28 15:00 - 16:05 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, presents THE ULTIMATE BUBBLE SHOW!

Gallery Talk: Ferranti
2026-08-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Gallery Oldham, 35 Greaves Street, Oldham, England, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
This is part of our monthly talk programme. All our talks are free, informal and last around 40 minutes with time to ask questions at the end.
Join our curator Karen Heatley for a tour of the Oldham and the World gallery. She will share stories about Ferranti, the company which built the first commercial computer.
Meet in Oldham and the World Gallery. No need to book.

Small Cinema: Sing 2
2026-08-12 14:00 - 16:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Enjoy a sensory friendly screening of the film Sing 2

Can-do Koala Buster Moon and his all star cast of animals prepare to launch their most dazzling stage performance yet. This is a sensory friendly screening with non-rescricted seating and softer lighting.
Free crafts from 12:30pm
All attendees require a ticket. Chldren get free snack and drink with their ticket.

Stoller Story Sounds with Leo the Lion!
2026-08-24 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-08-24 13:00 - 13:45 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Join Leo on his journey across Jungle Island as he searches for new friends.

Leo the Lion is the sweetest, kindest, most caring Lion. He lives on jungle Island- a place full of warming sunshine, tall jungle tress, incredible sounds, and amazing wild animals. Leo the Lion wants to play, but Leo has no friends.
Who will Leo meet? What will Leo learn? What new sights and sounds will he discover?
Join us for an immersive storytelling adventure exploring the world around us. With storyteller Faz Shah, illustrator Lizzie Finlay, and musician Gemma Ashcroft, these interactive music sessions blend live music, illustration, storytelling, and more—inviting children to listen, imagine, and explore.
Perfect for children aged 3-5 (and their grown ups!), our Stoller Story Sounds musical journeys will transport you to a beautiful world of new and exciting sights and sounds.
Duration 45 minutes
You can also enjoy activities and craft before and after your session!
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Stoller Story Sounds with Leo the Lion!
2026-08-24 14:30 - 15:15 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
Join Leo on his journey across Jungle Island as he searches for new friends.

Live@TheLibrary: The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon
2026-09-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, United Kingdom
What is the mystery of the Pirate Lagoon?
Join the crew of The Prospero on an adventure to find out.

Will we find the treasure? Can we escape from the evil Captain Starkers?

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. There’s a part for everyone in…The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon

Audience Responses:
“I loved it. Funny, joyous, daft!”
“We really enjoyed feeling part of the production and learning about radio production.”
“The cast make you feel so comfortable and at ease.”
“Soooo funny!”

Award winning Cumbrian theatre company Ragged Edge are back after the enormous success of The Mystery of the Blue Moon Saloon:

Rip-roaringly funny – a real delight!
Northern Arts Review
“Yehar! Absolutely brilliant.”
Kirkby Stephen Social Club
“A very entertaining evening, with plenty of laughter along the way!”
Grasmere Village Hall

Devised and Performed by Stefan Escreet, Peter Macqueen and Claire Webzell

Running time approx. 90 mins with an interval
Suitable for age 8+
