Festival praise for a united Oldham

A CELEBRATION of all faiths will see communities across Oldham join together for this year’s Festival of Light.

The popular annual event, now in its ninth year, is organised to celebrate the festivals of Christmas, Diwali, Chanukah, and Eid-Ul-Adha. The aim is to bring members of various faiths together to share each other’s festivals.

Fazal Rahim, forum co-ordinator, said: “The event has grown a huge deal in popularity. It started out with 300 visitors. Last year, when most of Oldham was as good as closed due to the snow, we were considering abandoning the event but still 400 people turned up. The biggest attendance was 800 in 2009 and we are planning on that many again this year.”

This year’s event will take place at The Grand Venue, Anchor Business Park, Anchor Mill, Featherstall Road, on Thursday, December 8, at 6.45pm. A free buffet meal will be provided as well as entertainment from different faiths, including Christmas carols, Islamic Nasheeds, music and dance.

Celebrate. For more details or to book a place, call 0161-624 6733.