Khushi festival in Oldham this weekend with free events

Oldham's Khushi festival returns this Saturday <i>(Image: Jess French Photography)</i>
Oldham's Khushi festival returns this Saturday (Image: Jess French Photography)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Oldham's Khushi festival returns this weekend.

The one-day celebration of South Asian culture and joy will take place across the cultural quarter on Saturday, August 1.

The festival promises a packed programme of music, theatre, comedy, food, arts and crafts, with free family-friendly activities for all ages.

Martina Murphy, CEO of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: "We're incredibly proud to be part of bringing Khushi to Oldham once again.

"It captures the kind of cultural experience we want Oldham Coliseum Theatre to champion – joyful, welcoming, multigenerational and deeply connected to community.

"This is a festival where audiences of all ages and backgrounds can laugh together, dance together, reflect together and discover something new together.

"From world-class artists to family activities and local voices, the programme celebrates the richness and diversity of South Asian culture while creating moments of genuine connection across the borough."

Events will take place from 10am to 6.30pm at venues including Oldham Library, the Oldham Theatre Workshop and Studio 1.

Highlights of the day include a whirling dervish experience at noon and comedy from Shazia Mirza at 5.15pm.

There will also be music and visual art installations, with a "Waterfall of Kites" exhibition and kite-making for children at Oldham Library.

Satnam Galsian will perform her show Love or Sacrifice at 2.45pm, and Amina Aaliya Beg will present her one-woman comedy drama My Mum Told Me Not To Marry A [ ] at 4pm.

Younger visitors can enjoy CHAI Stories at 11am, an interactive show featuring music, puppetry, and bilingual storytelling, and Lilo Lost It! at 1.45pm in the library theatre.

Throughout the day, the library foyer will host free activities including arcade games, sari block printing, henna, mandala making, and fancy dress.

A makers market and food stalls will also be open all day.

Najma Khalid MBE DL, founder and artistic engagement director of Khushi Festival, said: "Khushi is a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, joy and togetherness, bringing people from across Oldham and beyond together through music, performance, storytelling, food, art and shared cultural experiences.

"We are incredibly proud to see Khushi continue to grow through the partnership between Women’s CHAI Project, Oldham Coliseum Theatre and the support of Oldham Council, creating a festival full of colour, creativity, connection and community spirit.

"We hope people of all ages and backgrounds will come along, take part and experience the excitement, warmth and magic of Khushi for themselves."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos