Oldham has been named Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026–27. This is a major moment for the borough and a chance to celebrate Oldham’s creativity, heritage, communities and ambition. Over the year, the programme will bring festivals, performances, exhibitions and community-led events to venues and public spaces across the borough.
About the award
Greater Manchester Town of Culture is an annual award that shines a spotlight on one town’s creativity, diversity, art, culture and heritage. Oldham’s successful bid, Rising Up, was chosen for its celebration of the borough’s rich heritage, diverse communities and growing creative sector.
As part of the award, Oldham will receive £50,000 from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund to help develop a year-long programme of cultural events and activities for residents and visitors.
Rising Up
Oldham’s Town of Culture programme is called Rising Up.
It will run throughout 2026 and into 2027, creating new opportunities for people to take part in arts and culture, while also attracting visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond. Activity will take place in both new and existing cultural venues, as well as public spaces across the borough.
The programme is built around three themes:
Reach
Widening participation and supporting creative skills development.
Rise
Energising the town centre with festivals, performances and exhibitions.
Soar
Supporting new commissions, community projects and a lasting cultural legacy.
Why this matters
Being named Town of Culture is a chance to put Oldham in the spotlight and to celebrate the people and organisations who help make the borough what it is.
The programme aims to increase participation in arts and culture across all communities, particularly among young people and under-represented groups. It is also intended to boost footfall, tourism and investment in the town.
The announcement also comes at an important time for Oldham, with the council highlighting more than £450 million of regeneration transforming the town centre.
A proud moment for the borough
Oldham has a strong cultural story to tell, shaped by its history, communities and creative talent. Town of Culture gives the borough the chance to share that story more widely and build on the energy already growing across Oldham.
Get involved
There will be more opportunities in the coming months for residents, artists, community groups and partners to find out more and get involved.
We will share updates here as the programme develops, including:
- events and activities
- news and announcements
- opportunities to take part
- ways for communities and organisations to get involved
Latest updates
More details about the programme will be announced in the coming months.