A FREE, family friendly community event is taking place in Oldham to help bring together people interested in growing.

The Community Growing Conference takes place at Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre on Saturday, March 2, from 11am to 3pm.

On the day there will be a wide variety of stalls, a chance to buy seed potatoes for the new growing year, family friendly growing and cooking activities, willow weaving, a guided walk down the urban fruit route on Union Street and much more.

The event also welcomes Oldham Theatre Workshop whose members will be bringing their vegetable puppets.

A number of workshops are on offer which, due to limited places, must be booked in advance.

Workshops include: Willow Weaving; family friendly planting; family friendly cooking; a talk about beekeeping; flower arranging; making wildflower seed bombs; a walk down the fruit route (includes apple pressing).

Participants can also enjoy a free lunch.

Cllr Arooj Shah, deputy council leader and cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said “Through our Get Oldham Growing scheme we’re working with communities and individuals to ensure all our residents have the support they need to eat healthily and live a more active lifestyle.

“We now have five growing hubs in Oldham which educate, build skills, support entrepreneurship and help improve physical and mental health by improving social connections.

“Growing your own food keeps you active, encourages you to eat healthily and try new foods and can save you money. We urge anyone interested in growing to come along.”