School’s Out and the Summer Holidays Have Officially Started!

Now, many parents and families will have to start thinking about that age-old question: what can we do for the next six weeks? Well, there is plenty to do across the borough – and the bonus is most of it is fun and free!

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “Summer is the perfect time to explore what Oldham has to offer. Whether you are looking to get outdoors and explore one of our many parks or take part in the free Summer Reading Challenge at local libraries, you are sure to find something that all the family will enjoy. Keep an eye on our social media, and we’ll be posting regular updates of things going on around the borough.”

Oldham is home to some of the best parks, countryside, and green spaces for miles around. From play areas and football pitches to skate parks and cafés, our parks have it all. And from 26th July, we are celebrating Parks Week, so there has never been a better time to get out, explore, and have some fun with the family. We’ve just finished refurbishing the tennis courts in six of our parks – Alexandra, Chadderton Hall, Dunwood, High Crompton, Lower Memorial, and Werneth – so why not grab a racquet and get ‘set’ for a game you may ‘love’? To find out details of what facilities are available in your local park, visit Oldham Parks.

Continuing the sporty theme, why not take the children swimming at one of the borough’s pools run by our partners at Oldham Community Leisure? It’s a great way to have fun, stay fit, and cool off if the weather gets warm! Check out the timetable at OCL Active.

There is also still time to buy tickets for this weekend’s Manchester Remembers football game at Boundary Park on 28th July. Former professionals will take on a team of celebrities to help raise money for six different charities founded in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing.

If it’s culture you are after, our Heritage, Libraries, and Arts team have something for all ages to keep them entertained. This year is Oldham’s 175th anniversary, so why not go along and see the special exhibition, “One Seven Five: An Incomplete History of Oldham in 175 Objects,” at Gallery Oldham. This fascinating exhibition, which runs until January 2025, will showcase stories of Olympic glory, a pet wasp, and some gems from Oldham’s art and natural history collections that you may have never seen before. Find out more here: One Seven Five: An Incomplete History of Oldham in 175 Objects.

Families can make the most of our brand-new Family Hubs, which are spread throughout Oldham and are running activities for children of all ages throughout the summer. There’s always plenty happening. Check the listings at Oldham HLA to see all our talks and tours, art and craft courses, family activities, cinema showings, and other events.

There are loads of places to visit in the town centre, too, including Summit Up Climbing, which is the perfect place for experienced climbers and novices alike. Come and explore the 35 exciting climbing challenges, including the Leap of Faith, the signature Stairway to Heaven, and a thrilling 10m vertical drop slide. Visit Summit Up Climbing Centre & Clip ‘n Climb to book.

Or, if that sounds far too energetic, why not visit the ODEON – the seven-screen cinema on Parliament Square, featuring iSense theatres and showing the latest films. The building, formerly the Town Hall, was built in the 1840s and is the perfect place to relax for a few hours.

Summer Beach also returns this year at Alexandra Park from 27th July to 1st September, which is the perfect event for families with children between 2-12 years old. There will be kids’ rides and inflatables, movies, beach games, food stalls, and much more. You will find full details and ticket information here: Oldham Summer Beach 2024.