ChatGPT AI lists Oldham’s best things, but two have already shut down

Since its launch, it has been used for all sorts of things from helping answer exam questions, aiding with job applications, giving book recommendations, and even writing love letters.

We asked the AI to “tell me the best things about Oldham, Greater Manchester,” and it gave us a 281-word response.

The answer is slightly longer than the 252-word answer given to our sister publication The Bolton News when they asked a similar question about Bolton.

Trained on data up until mid-2021, the chatbot mentioned two already shutdown organisations as some of Oldham’s best features.

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The Oldham Coliseum Theatre and Donkeystone Brewing Company both featured on the list, but both have shut down this year.

Donkeystone Brewing Company, based in Greenfield, announced on March 22 that it would no longer be trading.

This meant the brewery could not make its planned appearance at the 33rd Oldham Beer Festival. The annual festival was also praised by the AI.

Donkeystone Brewing Company was one of 2023's closures (Image: Google)

Similarly, Oldham Coliseum also shut down last month, because the Arts Council refused a further £1.85 million in funding due to governance concerns.

An independent report has now been commissioned into the theatre’s previous governance.

It wasn’t all bad though – the AI chatbot praised Oldham’s natural beauty, such as its parks.

The AI also appeared to make some things up – “Oldham Art Gallery” was praised alongside the real Gallery Oldham, and “Oldham Food Festival” was praised alongside the real Oldham Beer Festival.

Here’s the AI’s response in full: “Oldham is a historic town located in Greater Manchester, England, and has a lot of unique features that make it a great place to live and visit. Here are some of the best things about Oldham:

1. Natural beauty: Oldham has stunning countryside and scenic views, which makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by the rugged hills of the Pennines, and there are many parks and green spaces to explore, including Alexandra Park, Tandle Hill Country Park, and Daisy Nook Country Park.
2. Rich history and culture: Oldham has a long and fascinating history that is reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. The town has many museums, galleries, and heritage sites, including Oldham Art Gallery, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, and Gallery Oldham.
3. Sports: Oldham is home to Oldham Athletic, a professional football team, and there are many other sports facilities and clubs in the town, including rugby, cricket, and golf.
4. Shopping: Oldham has a bustling town center with a wide range of shops, from high street retailers to independent boutiques. There are also several indoor markets and a large shopping center, Spindles Town Square.
5. Food and drink: Oldham has a diverse food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. The town also has several breweries and pubs, including the award-winning Donkeystone Brewing Co.
6. Festivals and events: Oldham hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Oldham Carnival, the Oldham Food Festival, and the Oldham Beer Festival.

“Overall, Oldham is a great place to live or visit, with a rich history, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a thriving local community.”