Oldham is set to welcome back its much-loved late-night light festival, Illuminate Light Night, for its eighth year and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February, the festival invites visitors of all ages to discover Oldham in a whole new light, with this year’s theme, ‘Illuminating the Everyday.’
On the Saturday, light art will transform spaces across Oldham town centre from 6pm to 9pm. The free event will feature awe-inspiring installations, dazzling performances, and interactive experiences created by acclaimed artists from the UK and beyond.
Highlights of the event include the Illuminate Parade at 6pm, opening the festival in spectacular style. The Parade will wind its way through Oldham town centre, featuring hundreds of vibrant community-made lanterns, dazzling illuminated ‘everyday hero’ puppets, music, dance, and giant illuminated creations from Global Grooves.
Experience MAPP by artist AlexP, a stunning interactive video-mapping installation that turns everyday surroundings into colourful, dynamic works of art. Marvel at ‘Harmony Hall‘ by Illuminos & Oldham Theatre Workshop, a spectacular combination of projection mapping and live theatre projected on the Old Town Hall, blending a musical journey through time with breath-taking visuals.
Witness 100 real-time Oldham heartbeats ‘The Matter of the Heart’ by idontloveyouanymore, at the Oldham Parish Church, showing the collective power of the community in a dazzling display of light and rhythm. Step inside this historic building which will be celebrating its 195th anniversary and see Reflect by Emma Gasson – and don’t forget to book your tickets for the Crypt by Candlelight tours and visit the resting place of the Oldham Giant.
Explore Gallery Oldham where you will find ‘The Lights’ a collection of light artworks on loan from The Grundy Gallery in Blackpool. Immerse yourself in The DOME, a 360° projection exploring themes of empire, colonialism, and identity and take part in the light painting workshops at this special late night opening. There’ll also be ‘Somnius’ by Illumaphonium, a mesmerising sound and light installation outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
On the Sunday, Northern Roots host their free, family friendly event, from 6.30pm to 9.3opm. What will a future of tantalising technology, robots and AI look like? What will the future look like if we love and protect our natural world? Let Global Grooves and intergalactic snail riders Sleepy Pete, Rosemary Ripple and Gastro Flash take you on an illuminated journey into the future at Northern Roots. ‘Into the Future‘ will conjure a futuristic, fun and fantastical story, celebrating local artists, community talent and the spirit of Carnival as night falls over the Northern Roots site – you can find out more here.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, expressed her excitement about the event’s return: “It’s wonderful to see this incredible popular event back in Oldham town centre, bringing our community together to celebrate in such a special and unique way.
“This free event has become a visitor favourite in our growing calendar of free events, offering something for everyone, no matter their age. I’d encourage everyone joining us to support our fantastic local businesses while they’re in town.
“You can grab a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping before or after the event. It’s a great way to enjoy the day and show love to our town’s amazing eateries and shops. And if you haven’t yet visited Northern Roots, this is the perfect opportunity to discover this unique space for yourself.”
You can see the full Oldham Illuminate Light Night programme and book lantern workshops and Crypt by Candlelight tickets here.