Oldham's annual outdoor festival is back with an impressive line-up of more than 50 performances next month.

The arts festival, which promises to celebrate culture, community, place and play, will be returning to Oldham on Saturday, June 3.

The free festival will showcase the very best local, regional and national street theatre, music, dance and visual arts across a variety of spaces in the town centre.

More than 50 performances and family-friendly activities are staged across the afternoon which takes place over the half-term break.

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This year celebrates the theme of play which has seen artists from across Greater Manchester create original outdoor work with this theme in mind.

In My Shoes Theatre Group from Springhead is set to perform a playful, imaginative and interactive piece of street theatre combining Shakespearean elements on Hilton Square, Albion Street.

Then over at the Old Town Hall, The Circus House from Longsight will launch a brand-new circus gameshow called 'the greatest game on earth' where the audience can participate and win prizes along the way.

In line with the play theme, Gallery Oldham will also take part with an 'inflato-worm' - an inflatable art piece that is "silly, fun and bouncy".

The Oldham Times: The poster for the eventThe poster for the event (Image: Oldham Council)

Visitors can even make their own inflatable sculpture or add to the existing giant installation.

Meanwhile, Oldham Play Action Group is setting up 'playzones' around the Gallery where youngsters will receive a play passport and get a stamp for each zone that they visit.

Other performances on the day will include plate spinning, food juggling and street games from Urban Canvas, as well as a fire-blazing performance, Do What Yah Mamma Told Ya! by Just More Productions.

Human statues of Judge Rudy Nudge and DJ Phil the Still will also be brought to life by Giddy Kippers Arts to deliver a "giant game of musical statues".

The festival is due to take place for most of the afternoon with the event kicking off at 12pm before winding down at 4pm.

Councillor Peter Dean, cabinet member for communities and culture said: “It’s great to have Festival Oldham back.

"I encourage you to bring your families and friends into the town centre to watch and take part in high-quality cultural experiences in a fun and safe environment– and as usual it’s all free.

“We’ve managed to pull together a great line-up of performances that will provide a lively programme of accessible, family-friendly entertainment and activities designed to bring our community together and celebrate being part of the borough."

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