From actors and artists to writers, students and community leaders, the ambassadors have been chosen to help champion Oldham during our year as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture.
The ambassadors were put forward by organisations on Oldham’s Cultural Partnership Board because of their strong links to the borough, their work in local communities and their passion for culture.
Over the coming months, they will help in different ways. This could include attending events, sharing what’s happening through their own networks and encouraging more people to get involved.
They will also share their own stories and shine a light on the people, places and projects that make Oldham’s cultural scene so special.
Subnum Harriff-Khan, Oldham Council’s Head of Libraries, Heritage and Arts, said: “Culture in Oldham isn’t just about what happens on a stage or inside a gallery. It’s in the stories people tell, the groups that bring communities together and the creativity found across our borough.
“That’s exactly what our ambassadors represent. They all have their own connection to Oldham and have already done so much for their communities.
“We’re really pleased to have them involved and can’t wait to see how they help people discover everything happening during our Town of Culture year.”
Meet the ambassadors
Abdul Malik Ahad:
Abdul’s own story is closely linked to Peshkar. He attended its first workshop at Werneth Park Music Rooms in 1991 and now chairs the organisation, helping it continue to support young people and underrepresented communities across Oldham.
Mark Newsome:
Born and raised in Oldham, Mark began performing with Oldham Theatre Workshop before training at the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Now an actor and comedian, he also supports The King’s Trust, CALM and MIND.
Sean Connolly:
Sean has supported Oldham’s cultural life for many years as an actor, volunteer and campaigner. He helps organise events for Friends of Oldham Coliseum and co-hosts the Coli Cast podcast with Julie Hesmondhalgh, keeping people updated about the theatre and its future.
Anne Bardsley:
Anne is an Oldham artist known for her animal and wildlife pictures. She has exhibited in the Oldham Open, secured a solo exhibition at Gallery Oldham and helped organise the Oldham Art Fair. She is also vice-chair of the Friends of Gallery Oldham.
Phaedra Patrick:
Growing up in Werneth, Phaedra visited Oldham Library every week and dreamed that her own books might one day sit on its shelves. She is now the internationally bestselling author of eight novels, with more than one million copies sold in 28 languages.
Sam Meyer:
Chadderton-born actor Sam got his start at Oldham Theatre Workshop. He has since appeared in Hollyoaks and reached the final stages of Netflix’s Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
Caitlin O’Ryan:
Caitlin developed her love of performing at Oldham Theatre Workshop and is now a professional actor and poet. Her poem At What Point has been viewed more than 18 million times and she has performed at Glastonbury and appeared on BBC Woman’s Hour.
Yasmin Toor:
Oldham-born Yasmin is a poet, writer and community leader who has spent years bringing people together. In 2010, she became the first Asian woman elected as an Oldham councillor and later served as Mayoress. She has also worked across health, education and community services.
Mark Prest:
Mark is an Oldham-born curator, recovery activist and founder of Portraits of Recovery. His work uses art to challenge the stigma around addiction and recovery, giving people the chance to tell their own stories and play an active part in cultural life.
Matt Dean:
Matt runs Northern Media Co at 1853 Studios and is always looking for new ways to promote Oldham. He produces podcasts, supports local artists and hosts regular online discussions for fellow Oldham Athletic supporters.
Amy Bent:
Amy is a student at Oldham Sixth Form College studying theatre, film, art and politics. She has taken leading roles in college productions, created work for its Arts Festival and been part of the Connected Campus film project with Screen Manchester.
Kashif Ashraf:
Kashif is the Oldham President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and is involved in several local boards. He is passionate about bringing businesses and communities together and getting more people involved in Oldham’s cultural programme.
Jake Talbot:
Jake teaches at Oldham College and writes for Dare to Know Theatre Company. His work in education and theatre keeps him closely connected to Oldham’s young people and its creative community.
Hassan Ali Jabbar:
Hassan, from Hollinwood, is Oldham’s Youth Mayor for 2026/27. Since joining Oldham Youth Council in 2024, he has worked to make sure young people are heard and helped deliver projects focusing on mental health, wellbeing and community cohesion. He is also completing a mechanical engineering apprenticeship.
The ambassadors will begin getting involved in events and activities across the borough over the coming months.
Find out what’s happening during Oldham’s Town of Culture year at Town of culture - whatson.oldham.gov.uk.