Arts in Oldham
Oldham is noted for having one of the liveliest arts and entertainment calendars in North West England. A focal point for activity is Gallery Oldham, part of Oldham's “Cultural Quarter”. The building houses Oldham’s prestigious collections and four large exhibition spaces. Other facilities in the “Cultural Quarter” include Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Oldham Local Studies and Archives and Oldham Theatre Workshop. Oldham Tourist Information Centre is now also located in the joint foyer of Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.
Gallery Oldham has a programme of changing exhibitions incorporating Oldham's extensive Art, Social and Natural History Collections, touring work, newly commissioned and contemporary art, international art and work produced with local communities.
The Saddleworth Museum at Uppermill, housed in a canalside former mill building, contains a reconstructed 18th century weavers’ cottage with working textile machinery and other exhibits.
The Coliseum Theatre is nationally recognised and has won both critical and popular acclaim for its highly ambitious productions. The theatre celebrated its centenary in 1987 and has witnessed performances over the years by many household names past and present including Eric Sykes, Dora Bryan, Roy Barraclough and Les Dennis. The Coliseum has been a recipient of the prestigious Regional Theatre of the Year Award and its productions, typified by its pantomimes, are highly successful at the box office.
The Grange Arts Centre and the Sixth Form College Theatre both host their own exciting selection of theatre, music and dance.
Annual cultural events are varied and include carnivals and festivals.
Eid celebrations take place in January and March. Oldham Mela takes place in August and Diwali is celebrated in November. Saddleworth’s Whit Friday Band Contest and the August Rush Cart Festival attract thousands of visitors.
Each Spring Bank Holiday, a free festival of family street entertainment including street theatre, music, international performers and other acts takes place in Oldham Town Centre.
Nurturing talent is something of an Oldham tradition, with a music service offering the best opportunities to local children, and Oldham Theatre Workshop providing a wide range of theatre and drama opportunities for young people in the Borough, including workshops, summer schools and large-scale productions.
A European-funded Carnival Arts programme provides opportunities for community groups and individuals to get involved in the annual May Parade and autumn Lantern Procession. More information will be available on the Visit Oldham website as these events are organised.