Discover Oldham in a new light
Saturday 22 February, 6–9pm – Across Oldham town centre venues
Sunday 23 February, 6.30–9.30pm – Northern Roots, Kings Road (near Alexandra Park)
For more detailed information, please check out our dedicated Illuminate 2025 page
Join us for an unforgettable weekend as Illuminate Light Night returns for its eighth year, bringing the theme “Illuminating the Everyday” to life. This free, family-friendly festival features breathtaking light installations, interactive activities, and performances from talented artists across Oldham and beyond.
Don’t miss the free Illuminate Lantern Making Workshops taking place at Gallery Oldham, where you'll learn to craft beautiful lanterns that will feature in the parade on the night.
Book your place here Hurry, as the sessions sell out fast!
Illuminate Parade
Join us from 6pm and watch a vibrant community-led celebration through the town centre, featuring dazzling lanterns, dancers, drummers, and giant puppets, led by carnival specialists Global Grooves.
MAPP
Take part in this interactive video-mapping installation by artist AlexP at Oldham Library, where you become part of the art.
Harmony Hall
Experience a spectacular projection and live performance at the Old Town Hall, created by Illuminos and Oldham Theatre Workshop.
Gallery Oldham
Light Painting Workshops: Get creative with light.
Reflect
Explore Emma Gasson’s contemplative piece at Oldham Parish Church.
Somnius
Be mesmerized by this sound and light installation at Queen Elizabeth Hall by artist Illumaphonium.
Oldham Parish Church Crypt Tours
Take a guided tour of the crypt, the burial home of the famous Oldham Giant. Book your free tour here
Illuminate Live
Enjoy live music performances from talented musicians, in partnership with Oldham Music Network and the Egyptian Room.
The Matter of the Heart
Walk through a collection of 100 real-time heartbeats from Oldham residents, representing the collective power of community in a dazzling display of light and rhythm by artist idontloveyouanymore.
Sunday at Northern Roots, 6.30–9.30pm
What will a future of tantalizing 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.
Join us for this free, family-friendly event on Sunday 23rd February, 6:30-9:30pm at Northern Roots, Oldham, OL8 2BJ.
Find out more on the Northern Roots website
Get Involved
Don’t forget to share your Illuminate experience! Use #LoveOldham and tag us in your photos to feature in our highlights.
With so much to see and do, this is a weekend not to be missed!
Free town centre parking
You can park for free for up to 3 hours on all Council managed town centre car parks every Saturday and Sunday.
To qualify for this offer you must take a ticket from the pay and display machine for the length of time you are intending to stay.
For more information visit Free Town Centre Parking
Plan your route via public transport using the Bee Network website Plan a journey | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Illuminate is funded by:
Northern Roots
Greater Manchester Arts
UK Government
Powered by Levelling Up
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Light Up the North
Oldham Town Centre Partnership
Arts Council England
Oldham Council