Santa on parade for town's festive frolics

Oldham Reindeer Parade

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

SANTA and his team of real reindeer were joined by a giant penguin, a singing Scrooge and dozens of Christmas dancers for the annual Oldham Town Centre parade on Saturday.

Thousands of children and families lined the streets as they eagerly awaited a glimpse of the man himself, Father Christmas on his sleigh pulled by real reindeer.

More than 250 actors, dancers, musicians and community group members wowed Oldham as they joined Santa and spread Christmas cheer throughout the town.

Based on a theme of Christmas movies, participants included Men Behaving Dadly as dozens of grumpy green Grinches, from "Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas", Blackshaw Lane Primary School as the cute penguins from "Happy Feet" and Oldham Theatre Workshop as "A Christmas Carol".

Other participants enjoying the festive celebrations were Limehurst Arts Society ("Home Alone"), Infinity Dance ("Love, Actually"), Hodge Clough Primary School ("Nativity"), and Mahdlo ("Miracle on 34th Street").

Stars of this year's Oldham Coliseum Panto "Sleeping Beauty" also entertained the audience.

Deputy Mayor of Oldham Shadab Qumer and Deputy Mayoress Sobia Arshi were joined by Youth Mayor T-Jay Turner in leading the parade with Oldham Town Centre Mascots Ollie and Millie.

The free parade was also kept lively with music from Oldham Band (Lees), The Incredible Plastic Street Band and the traditional Scottish Pipe Band.

Rebecca Jones, six, who watched the parade with her mum Sammy was excited to see Father Christmas.

She said: "I can't believe he's here.

"I want to meet him and ask him for a Furby for Christmas."

Sammy added: "It's a great event for the children.

"We love coming every year."

Thomas Bailey, seven, who was with his parents Jack and Clare was also happy to have seen the reindeer walk past.

"I've never seen one before," he said.

"I really liked the parade and the big penguin."

The event, which also featured seasonal music, street theatre and balloon modelling, marks the first Christmas even in the town centre.

It will be followed by the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday.

• Check out more reindeer parade pictures on our picture sales page.