Brass monkeys event swings into action

SNOUT about that . . . Ruby Walker-Smith with Peppa Pig

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MISERABLE weather failed to dampen spirits as Oldham town centre went Christmas crazy at the weekend.

The “Brass Monkeys” event, returning for a third year, saw festive favourites and popular songs from eight bands get shoppers into the Christmas spirit as they played on a stage outside the entrance to Spindles.

Town centre manager Sara Hewitt said: “We had some really brilliant brass bands, people really enjoyed it and the feedback was great.”

The initial plan was to have a second stage and market in the Yorkshire Street “Independent Quarter”, but the weather prevented this. Oldham Parish Church stepped to become a stand-in second stage.

Church warden Marlene Armitage said: “We have just had our Christmas tree festival so there was already a real Christmas feel in the church and we were very happy to open our doors.”