OLDHAMERS have the chance to see the moon closer than ever as the Museum of the Moon features at this year’s late-night arts festival, Illuminate, across the town centre.

Created by artist Luke Jerram, the installation measures seven metres in diameter and features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture representing 5km of the moon’s surface.

The popular sculpture showcases at Gallery Oldham on Friday, February 21, joining a number of other illuminative-themed performances, attractions and workshops across the town centre to create the perfect family outing.

A carnival procession of light kicks off the fourth Illuminate festival from 6pm to 9pm as hundreds of handmade lanterns, created by local residents and community groups, make their way up from Gallery Oldham to the Old Town Hall.

From there, more than 20 fringe events will take place throughout the evening across several of the town centre’s hotspots.

Visitors will get thechance to immerse themselves into the life of well-known titular character "Pac-Man" as part of the life-sized interactive Actual Reality Arcade located at The Egyptian Room.

The interactive zone is inspired by a number of classic arcade games such as the 80s maze chase and the tile-matching puzzle, Tetris.

Be sure to witness a spectacular 3D projection, specially created by acclaimed artists Illuminos, over at the Old Town Hall as it tells the story of a young explorer’s journey through the ocean as they encounter bioluminescent jellyfish and more along the way.

Other attractions taking place at Gallery Oldham include an illuminating accessory workshop with Hack Oldham, an emotionally charged dance performance from Company Chameleon, late-night exhibitions and live music from local bands in Naked Bean café.

Oldham Council leader Sean Fieldling, said: “Illuminate has proven to be an extremely popular event with residents over the last few years and this year’s event makes no exception with another evening of free high-quality entertainment lined-up for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

“Illuminate builds on our ambition to create a successful programme of activities that encourages both our residents and visitors from across the city region to come into Oldham for and it also demonstrates our commitment to providing a vibrant night-time economy.

“I sure hope you can make this event and I look forward to seeing you all there.”