THE world's top class brass will be among the special guests providing a festive soundtrack to Christmas shopping in Oldham town centre today.

The Cory Band - ranked the world’s number one and current national and European champions are travelling up from South Wales to perform especially for the Brass Monkeys festival.

The funky sounds of Back Chat Brass and Global Grooves Brass, together with a special collaboration from Bollywood Brass Band and the Middleton Youth Band - will be mixing styles and genres.

There also be a host of local talent featuring Boarshurst Brass Band, Dobcross Brass Monkeys and Tame Valley Brass, plus performances from Oldham Music Service, providing festive and traditional music.

Children can also monkey around with fun arts and crafts from Oldham Play Action Group throughout the day.

Council leader Jean Stretton said: “Oldham has a very strong bond with brass music and the sounds of bands playing will help to get people in the Christmas spirit as they shop for presents.”

Shoppers can enjoy free parking for up to three hours at all Oldham Council town centre car parks at the weekend but you should still take a ticket from the machine and display it in your vehicle.

Information about all of Oldham’s Christmas events can be found at www.visitoldham.com.