Selected for their strong links to the borough, community work, and passion for culture, these ambassadors will play a key role in promoting Oldham's cultural scene. They were put forward by organisations on Oldham’s Cultural Partnership Board.
Over the coming months, the ambassadors will engage in various activities, including attending events, sharing information through their networks, and encouraging wider community involvement. They will also share personal stories to highlight the unique people, places, and projects that define Oldham’s cultural landscape.
Subnum Harriff-Khan, Oldham Council’s Head of Libraries, Heritage and Arts, emphasised the inclusive nature of culture in Oldham. "Culture in Oldham isn’t just about what happens on a stage or inside a gallery. It’s in the stories people tell, the groups that bring communities together and the creativity found across our borough," she stated. "That’s exactly what our ambassadors represent. They all have their own connection to Oldham and have already done so much for their communities. We’re really pleased to have them involved and can’t wait to see how they help people discover everything happening during our Town of Culture year."
Among the appointed ambassadors are Abdul Malik Ahad, who chairs Peshkar, an organisation supporting young people and underrepresented communities; actor and comedian Mark Newsome, who began his performing career at Oldham Theatre Workshop; and actor, volunteer, and campaigner Sean Connolly, who supports the Oldham Coliseum theatre and co-hosts the Coli Cast podcast.
Also joining are Anne Bardsley, an Oldham artist known for her wildlife pictures and involvement with Gallery Oldham; internationally bestselling author Phaedra Patrick, who grew up visiting Oldham Library; and actor Sam Meyer, who also started at Oldham Theatre Workshop and has appeared in 'Hollyoaks'.
Further ambassadors include professional actor and poet Caitlin O’Ryan, whose poem 'At What Point' has garnered millions of views; Oldham-born poet, writer, and former councillor Yasmin Toor; curator and recovery activist Mark Prest, founder of Portraits of Recovery; and Matt Dean, who runs Northern Media Co and promotes Oldham through podcasts and discussions.
The cohort also features Amy Bent, a student at Oldham Sixth Form College involved in theatre and film projects; Kashif Ashraf, Oldham President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce; and Jake Talbot, who teaches at Oldham College and writes for Dare to Know Theatre Company.
Hassan Ali Jabbar, Oldham’s Youth Mayor for 2026/27 and a mechanical engineering apprentice, completes the list. He has focused on ensuring young people's voices are heard and delivering projects on mental health and community cohesion.
The ambassadors will commence their involvement in events and activities across the borough in the coming months. Further details on Oldham’s Town of Culture year can be found at whatson.oldham.gov.uk.
