A FANTASTIC spectacle of illuminated-themed performances shone a new light on after-dark Oldham on Friday.

Four of the town centre’s most iconic venues played host to the free arts festival, Illuminate, which kicked off with a Parade of Illumination carnival procession of light from Gallery Oldham to the Old Town Hall.

It was flanked by attractions and workshops at Oldham Parish Church, Parliament Square and Oldham Library.

An amazing light spectacular marking 50 years of giant leaps since the historic moon landings was projected on to the Old Town Hall.

Acclaimed visual artists Illuminos worked with local residents to create the new 3D projection which celebrates and commemorates our link to the moon, outer space and technology.

At Oldham Parish Church, families enjoyed a giant Celestial Sound Cloud – an interactive digital sound and light sculpture by Pif-Paf Theatre – which was suspended in the church’s ethereal setting.

Glowing gastropods, LED umbrellas, Bollywood inspired gigantes and futuristic robot stilt walkers descended on Parliament Square where festival-goers were able to interact with the Illumaphonium – a multi-sensory sculpture consisting of more than 100 illuminated chime bars that all respond to touch.

Oldham Library hosted a captivating multi-sensory journey through the present and future effects of global warming with visitors witnessing a vista of flames and chemical reactions through an evocative and informative soundscape at Gallery Oldham.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is a truly spectacular event.

“It brings hundreds of people into the town centre every year, and this is a prime example of our ambition to build a successful range of events and a programme of activities for families to come into our town centre for."