Five things to do

Christmas Tree Festival,

Oldham Parish Church, Rock Street

THE annual festival is back with more than 50 individually decorated trees to browse and get inspiration from. The café will be opening throughout the festival for visitors to warm up with a cuppa. Opening times: Friday, December 7, 7pm, opening launch; Saturday, December 8, 9.30am to 4pm; Sunday, December 9, noon to 4pm; Monday, December 10 to Friday, December 14, 10am to 4pm; Saturday, December 16, noon to 3.30pm.

Brass Monkeys,

Parliament Square and Oldham Parish Church

Saturday 8 December, 11am to 4pm

ENJOY traditional music and funky festive sounds at THE annual winter brass band festival.

See the world famous Foden’s Band and the acclaimed Fairey Band playing alongside

Manchester’s newest funk brass ensemble Twisted Tubes. An array of brilliant local brass bands from across Oldham and Saddleworth will also be performing classic festive songs throughout the day.

Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, High Street, Uppermill,

Monthly Farmers Market at Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, 9am to 2pm.

Farmers Markets organised by the “Friends” of the Museum. Currently every second Sunday in the month. Free entry. One stall/gazebo outside the museum entrance with other stalls inside the community gallery. Products can change but there are usually breads, cheeses, olives, teas, coffees and chocolates often of high “artisan” quality. Well worth a visit!

Text or call Oliver on 07761 261349 or01457 873590 to book a stall for this event.

Oldham Coliseum, Christmas Panto, Cinderella.

THIS family favourite is packed with music, songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration. For tickets call the box office on 0161 624 2829 or go to www.coliseum.org.uk

One online review says: “Best Christmas panto I've seen at Oldham Coliseum. Great fun, full of laughs, songs, etc - terrific night out for both young and old. Well worth going to see.”

Daisy Nook Country Park

Stannybrook Road, John Howarth Countryside Centre, Failsworth

REVIEWERS are recommending a trip to this outdoor attraction.

One said: “So when was the last time you went somewhere and it cost you nothing to park?

This is such a beautiful spot. I took my three-year-old grand-daughter and she enjoyed every minute of the experience. We had a lovely walk along what I took to be a converted canal tow path, taking in an overhead view of the river Medlock.

“There was no litter and the place was well maintained. The café was clean and served reasonable food at reasonable prices and the toilets were clean and fit for purpose.

It was a lovely way to spend a few hours and I'd recommend it anyone with young children - but be careful, there's quite a few ponds...”

Museum of Transport Greater Manchester

Boyle Street | Cheetham, Manchester M8 8UW

DISCOVER Greater Manchester's public road transport history with the Museum of Transport, approximately one mile north of Manchester City Centre near Manchester Fort Shopping Park. Open every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday from 10am until 4.30pm. Adults £4, students, over 60s £2 accompanied children under 16 visit free. Take a trip back in time with one of Britain’s biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams. From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see and sit in fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and countryside.