Hey we go for Heyside!

A GROUP of Heyside folk have banded together in a bid to boost community spirit — and are appealing for more people to join them.

The residents want to “put Heyside on the map,” and have organised a Christmas festival to bring people together.

The event kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, December 5, when the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor David Jones, switches on the village lights.

Santa will arrive at 3.15pm, and will spend the afternoon asking children what they want for Christmas, and handing out gifts.

Organisers hope the event will galvanise the community to boost the future of Heyside as a village.

Residents will get the chance to meet at the festival, and talk over roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

Also during the day will be puppet shows, carol singing with the Church Lads and Girls Brigade Band, a barbecue, a prize draw and an evening concert at the Duke of York pub.

Admission is free, gifts for children are free, and parking at Bullcote Park is free.

Resident Neil Williams explained: “Two local councillors, Steven Bashforth and Phil Harrison, have been the driving force behind it all.

“One or two people joined them with the aim of bringing interested parties together to give Heyside a profile and engender community spirit.

“The local neighbourhood council has been reinstated, and Heyside village is trying to revive itself and put itself on the map.”