Khushi Festival will be taking over Oldham Library - a day packed with performances, workshops, games, music, and happiness!

We have commissioned three fantastic artists to co-create brand new pieces of work. Poet Nasima Bee has been working with Werneth CHAI; actor and facilitator Perveen Hussain has been working with West Oldham CHAI and the Indian Association; and folk arts and craft visual artist Maryam Hussain has been working with Yuvanis Foundation and a group from Greenhill Community Sports and Recreation Club.

Here are some of the things you can expect:

PERFORMANCE

Ghar Ghar Ke Kahani / Household Stories
by West Oldham Chai Ladies

The West Oldham Chai Ladies (Women's CHAI Project) have been exploring different stories that can happen in anyone's life. Working with artist Perveen Hussain the group have created a short play called Ghar Ghar Ke Kahani / Household Stories.

‘Every household has their struggles. You are not on your own - everything will be okay!’

Jeevan Yatra (Life’s Journeys)
by The Indian Association

The Indian Association presents Jeevan Yatra / Life’s Journeys, a beautiful short play in which the highs and lows of migration are told through the ladies who lived them.

The Indian Association wanted to tell their stories of migration from South Asia and Africa to the UK. Working with artist Perveen Hussain, they have created a beautiful piece which will evoke all your emotions.

Chai Stories
by Werneth Primary School Chai Ladies

The Werneth Primary School Chai Ladies (Women's CHAI Project) have been working with poet Nasima Bee and have created a poetry and prose zine to enjoy.

Storytelling with Zoe
By Zoe Iqbal

Join Zoe for some fun tales from across the South Asian diaspora in this short storytelling piece suitable for all the family.

Khushi Conversations with Mina Anwar
Khushi Conversations invites you to get all your questions answered with actor, director, and singer Mina Anwar.

Mina is probably best known as the feisty Constable Maggie Habib in Ben Elton’s award winning sitcom The Thin Blue Line. Her television work includes Happy Valley, In The Club, Remember Me and many others.

Bhatiali Beats

Immerse yourself in the raw, soul-stirring essence of Bangladeshi folk music as Ahad Ullah Shah, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of G2 on tabla and the melodious harmonium singing of Anjum, takes centre stage. Transporting you to the heart of Bangladesh's cultural heritage, this performance promises an afternoon of mesmerising tunes and poignant storytelling. Let the vibrant rhythms and heartfelt melodies resonate, weaving a tapestry of tradition and emotion that captures the true spirit of Bangladeshi and Sylheti songs. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of musical heritage and community.

EXHIBITIONS

Piecing together the past
By Yuvanis Foundation

Young women and girls from Yuvanis Foundation have explored the origins of traditional South Asian motifs found in fabric, ceramic and wall art. Working with folk arts and craft visual artist Maryam Hussain, the group have created unique mosaic pieces that fit together to form a remarkable masterpiece.

Cross-stitching stories
By Oldham Greenhill Community Sport and Recreation Club

Folk arts and craft visual artist Maryam Hussain worked with an intimate group of women exploring personal stories and the historical significance of traditional motifs found in the Punjab. Together they have created a patchwork piece representing friendship, support, and the amazing talents and experiences of the Greenhill ladies

WORKSHOPS

What is happiness to you? with Fajar Kayani
In this workshop you will work with local artist Fajar Kayani to make collages that express pure joy - whether it’s an object, person, or memory. Through collaborative play and discussion you will have a final product representative of the pure joy we all have the ability to experience, acknowledge and feel through the use of mixed media and collaging techniques.
This workshop is suitable for all ages and materials will be provided.

Drop in/casual workshops

• Crafts with the CHAI Ladies
• Beginners writing with Maya C
• BeatBoxing workshop with Faz Shah

Khushi is presented in partnership with the Women's Chai Project (Care, Help and Inspire), and Oldham Council.

No need to pre-book. All events are free, please just turn up and join in.