Shazia Mirza Headlines Khushi Festival 2026

Expect big performances, delicious food and hands-on activities for all ages across. Khushi is open to everyone and is about celebrating culture, creativity and community.

Award-winning comedian Shazia Mirza headlines, with a brilliantly funny stand-up set exploring family life, relationships and modern culture.

There’s new music from ground-breaking singer songwriter Satnam Galsian, commissioned by Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Manchester Jazz Festival and The Old Courts Wigan. Love or Sacrifice explores themes of gender roles and the expectations of women in South Asian culture.

The Whirling Dervish Experience offers you the chance to discover the beauty and symbolism behind a centuries-old tradition, presented by a practising dervish of the Melvelvi Order, based on the teachings of the 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic Rumi.

CHAI Stories is a lively, family-friendly performance bringing together theatre, live music, puppetry and bilingual storytelling. Created by the Women’s CHAI Project’s West Oldham group alongside artist Kauser Mukhtar (Khooghi, Bradford City of Culture 2025).

For younger audiences, Move Manchester presents Lilo Lost It! an interactive dance theatre experience for children and families. Join Lilo as she embarks on her greatest journey yet. From tuk-tuk rides in India, canoeing across Wales, cooking Chapatis at her grandma’s house to reaching the top of mountains, she needs your help to learn how to celebrate all parts of her heritage and what makes her who she is.

Waterfall of Kites is a free exhibition inspired by the traditional spring kite festivals that take place across South Asia. Look up at around 100 handmade kites suspended from across Oldham Gallery’s ceiling.  Many carry stories and reflections from the artists and communities that brought them to life. Alongside work by award-winning artist Sue Walpole, there are newly commissioned pieces by Oldham artists Samaya Javed, Iqra Khadiza and Dada Zubeda, and contributions from Oldham community groups: Yuvanis Foundation, The Indian Association – Saheli Group and Greenhill CHAI Project.

There’s a sharp, funny one-woman comedy show with My Mum Told Me Not To Marry A [ ] by multidisciplinary artist and DJ Amina Aaliya Beg, along music and a free DJ workshop outside the library.

Across the day, you’ll also be able to take part in henna art, mandala making, giant bubbles, retro arcade games, crafts, storytelling, face painting, puppetry, giant Lego, badge-making and more.

Oldham’s Khushi festival is organised in partnership with Oldham Coliseum Theatre, and the CHAI Women’s Project, with support from Oldham Borough Council and thanks to Oldham Theatre Workshop.