It’s going to be brass monkeys this weekend in Oldham town centre

Global Grooves Brass: Oldham town centre’s Brass Monkeys 11.00am and 4.00pm Saturday, 2 December

Oldham’s annual brass extravaganza Brass Monkeys is back – and this year there are some extra special guests to help provide the music.

The town centre is set to come alive on Saturday 2 December with the sound of brass music and you are invited join in the festive fun at three locations – Parliament Square, Oldham Parish Church and High Street

This free event takes place between 11am and 4pm and there is a mixture of local and national bands playing.

In particular listen out for The Cory Band - they are the world’s number one ranked band and are the current National and European Champions.

The extra special guests, are travelling up from South Wales to perform especially for the festival.

There are funky sounds from Back Chat Brass and Global Grooves Brass, together with a special collaboration from Bollywood Brass Band and the Middleton Youth Band - mixing styles and genres.

There will also be a strong local representation with local Boarshurst Brass Band, Dobcross Brass Monkeys and Tame Valley Brass, plus performances from our own Oldham Music Service, providing festive and traditional music.

Children can also monkey around with fun arts and crafts from Oldham Play Action Group throughout the day.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Brass Monkeys has proved to be a very popular event in previous years and it is making a welcome return this Christmas.

“Oldham has a very strong bond with brass music and the sounds of bands playing will help to get people in the Christmas spirit as they shop for presents.”

Shoppers can enjoy free parking for up to three hours at all Oldham Council town centre car parks at weekend.

You must take a ticket from the machine and display it in your vehicle.

Information about Christmas events can be found at:

http://www.oldhamtimes.co.uk/events/events-in-oldham/type/christmas