With just days to go, here's all you need to know about OldhamLIVE!

Reporter: Martha Southall
Date published: 22 August 2018


With four days to go and new acts announced only yesterday, the countdown is well and truly on to this year’s #OldhamLIVE!

OldhamLIVE kicks off the August bank holiday weekend with great family daytime fun from 12 noon until 4pm.

Live music then gets underway from 6pm onwards with a dazzling line-up.

Here's all you need to know ahead of Saturday's brilliant and totally FREE event.

Where should I go?

To have your piece of the fun, head down to Parliament square.

Surrounded by restaurants, pubs and clubs, attendees will not be short of places to eat – or to carry on the party!

What time does it start?

The day begins with family fun at 12 noon, lasting until 4pm.

At 6pm, the evening acts begin and play until 10pm at night.

Who will be there?

This year’s evening line-up is not to be missed.

Headlining the one-day festival will be Britpop legends Dodgy, whose hits “Staying out for the summer”, “If you’re thinking of me”, “In a room” and “Good enough” are sure to get people rocking.

Joining them will be Sweet Female Attitude, the outfit responsible for garage anthem “Flowers”, which sold over 200,000 copies and rose to number 2 in the UK singles chart.

For a taste of the 80s, Scottish singer Owen Paul will be gracing the stage, something he has shared with acts from Phil Collins to members of Simple Minds.

Owen Paul

Having run a West End theatre for over 10 years, he is currently touring and celebrating the release of his EP, Acoustic 80s, this year.

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent will recognise Ella Shaw, the stunning vocalist and songwriter who began performing at the age of 14.

Her performance of original song “Summertime” on the show was followed by the release of her debut album the following year.

Those nostalgic for the Madchester years should not miss the set from nationally-renowned DJ Dave Sweetmore.

Having worked with artists such as the Happy Mondays and Inspiral Carpets, Dave is known for his indie tunes at Rochdale FC match days, as well as "The Dave Sweetmore Show" on Revolution 96.2.

Recently-announced additions to the line-up are new girl group Tiger-S and Oldham’s popular local acoustic tribute duo Spark.

Tiger-S have performed at some of the UK’s major festivals where they supported acts such as Will Smith and are fresh back from putting the finishing touches to their debut album in America.

What can the little ones look out for?

Between 12 noon and 4pm, Cbeebies’ longest-serving presenter Sid Sloane is sure to go down a storm with families in his interactive show.

He will be joined by a puppet show from Russ Brown, whose latest black-light show promises to be ‘as manic, magical and memorable as the others’.

Cbeebies’ longest-serving presenter Sid Sloane

The award-winning entertainer was the resident children’s entertainer at Blackpool Tower for over ten years before setting up his own venue, and has entertained families around the globe.

Finally, there will be the opportunity for kids to get involved in magic, balloon modelling, plate spinning and more with Andy B’s Action Party.

Any children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What about the facilities?

Volunteers will staff the event and can point you to the portaloos or on-site bar.

Parking will be in Spindles Shopping Centre, although public transport is recommended.

There are cash points throughout the site and plenty of hotels for those who have further to travel.

What does it cost?

#OldhamLIVE is totally free to attend, but it is probably best to arrive early to get the best view!