Oldham late night light festival ‘Illuminate's in February

MCRJourno

Oldham’s much-loved late-night light festival, Illuminate Light Night, returns for its eighth year on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd 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 with the free event featuring installations, performances, and interactive experiences created by acclaimed artists.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "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 in town."

Highlights of the event include the Illuminate Parade at 6pm featuring hundreds of vibrant community-made lanterns, dazzling illuminated “everyday hero” puppets, music, dance, and giant Illuminated creations from Global Grooves.

Other interactive elements include a video-mapping installation that turns everyday surroundings into colourful, dynamic works of art, as well as ‘Harmony Hall’ - a combination of projection mapping and live theatre projected on the Old Town Hall.

On display there will also be 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.

You can also book tickets for the Crypt by Candlelight tours and visit the resting place of the Oldham Giant.

Visitors can explore Gallery Oldham where you will find ‘The Lights’ a collection of light artworks on loan from The Grundy Gallery in Blackpool.

At The DOME, a 360-degree projection exploring themes of empire, colonialism, and identity will be showcased alongside light painting workshops for a special late night opening.

'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.

Illuminate Light Night is free to attend and more details are available at www.oldham.gov.uk/illuminate