Oldham Council is adding to the Christmas cheer by producing an animated video encouraging Oldhamers to get out and shop local during the festive period.

Titled Christmas in Oldham, the video was created by local veteran animators, Jo, and Paul Perry of the award-winning Periscope Studios in Delph.

The animation is intended to encourage people to shop for their Christmas goods in Oldham, with the video centring around a depiction of Spindles Shopping Centre.

The Oldham Lights outside Spindles (Image: Oldham Council).

The Oldham Lights outside Spindles (Image: Oldham Council).

Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Council Leader said: “Christmas is an important time for us all, and a chance for us to spend time with loved ones.

"We wanted to reflect this when creating our Christmas animation, which was commissioned to promote the boroughs retail business offer.

"We’re incredibly proud of our markets and retailers – independent and high street alike, they’ve worked tirelessly to adapt against ever mounting odds to keep residents safe."

The video shows the Oldham Lights and the Delph Brass Band playing to Oldhamers, with the Royton and Shaw outdoor markets referenced in the narrated poem.

The depiction of the Delph Brass Band (Image: Oldham Council).

The depiction of the Delph Brass Band (Image: Oldham Council).

With many shops and markets having been closed for long periods since March 2020, this Christmas period will give shops a chance to experience the buzz of Christmas shopping once again.

Cllr Shah said: "People say that it’s a shame that the high street is dying, but if people are sat at home buying online, that is unfortunately what could happen.

"If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift, why not visit your local Oldham high street first?

"To make seeing our loved ones possible this year, we ask you follow the current guidance of wearing a mask when shopping indoors."

To see the video, which was funded by The Welcome Fund, set up by the European Regional Development Fund and Her Majesty's Government, visit Oldham Council's YouTube page.

Animated figures at the Christmas market (Image: Oldham Council).

Animated figures at the Christmas market (Image: Oldham Council).