Diversity festival set to be best yet

THIS year’s festival of diversity is expected to be bigger and better than ever, with five weeks of community celebrations including the Oldham mela.

The event will be launched with a street party in and around Oldham Parish Church on Saturday, followed by the mela in Alexandra Park on Sunday (1–9pm).

There will be stalls, food and entertainment as well as a big-top family activity space.

Other events to be staged over the next five weeks include Oldham Pride, National Play Day, Disability Awareness Day, Oldham Community Performance Week at the Coliseum, and community street parties.

There will also be talent from Age Concern and Oldham Youth Service, beat-box break dancing and Frank Sinatra all on the one stage.

Travelling art exhibitions, participatory dance displays, football, choirs, face-painting, Brazilian drumming and the Pink carnival owl will also be making an appearance.

And there will be writing and community performances from Peshkar, intergenerational sports and a new volunteering initiative — community culture volunteers.

Keep up to date with all the events taking place by visiting www.festivalofdiversityoldham.co.uk