Building up to Bob's switch-on

Photo: Picture: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

LIGHT show . . . the festive display in Oldham town centre

CAN he fix it? Children's TV favourite Bob the Builder will pay a visit to Oldham on Sunday to turn on the town centre Christmas lights.

Visitors can enjoy Bob's spectacular "Never Mind the Breezeblocks" stage show before a dazzling firework display signals the arrival of the illuminations.

The fun starts at noon with a Christmas market. Bob, and his mates, Wendy and Spud, will be appearing throughout the day and there will be a children's funfair and hot-food stalls.

Town-centre mascots Ollie and Millie will be handing out free hats and sweets to children.

At 4.45pm, Bob will join the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor John Hudson, on stage to press the button and switch on the Christmas lights.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, cabinet member for business and town centres, said: "The switching on of the Christmas lights is always one of the highlights of the year. This year we've got Bob the Builder to help carry out the switch on and the fireworks will be as spectacular as usual."

Katie Bennett, manager of BHS Oldham and a member of the Town Centre Business Partnership, said: "The switch-on will be a fantastic free, family event. It provides the perfect end to a day of Christmas shopping in the town centre."

The stage show starts at 4.45pm and lasts around an hour. The fireworks display starts at 5.30pm. The stage will be set up next to the war memorial and the best viewing areas are in front of the Old Town Hall and on Clegg Street.

After the switch-on, the Christmas lights will be lit daily. There will also be a nativity scene in Albion Street.

Shoppers can enjoy free car parking on Sunday for three hours in council car parks and for four hours in the shopping centre car parks, which will stay open until 7pm.

Oldham's Christmas lights switch-on is organised by the Oldham Town Centre Business Partnership and is the second in a programme of events.

The next event is Brass Monkeys on Saturday, December 7, when the town centre will be filled with the sound of brass bands.

Go to www.visitoldham.com to find out more.