A pub in Oldham has promised to keep folk music alive in the town centre as the tradition threatened to end with the closure of another iconic venue.

The Royal Oak pub on Union Street made a shock announcement last week that it would be closing its doors for good as of Friday (November 24).

Landlord David Sweeney, with the help of people in the community such as Hannah Wood, who injected life back into the venue through her decorating business, announced last November that the pub would be returning to its roots by bringing live folk music back.

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The town centre pub was once a popular venue for Oldhamers to come and enjoy folk music in its heyday - and was even a hotspot for the original fathers of folk in the town, The Oldham Tinkers, to perform.

While residents and loyal customers have been sad to see the iconic pub go, many others who look forward to its weekly "folk at the Oak" nights have been left wondering what will happen to the tradition.

The Oldham Times: Folk at the Oak took place every Wednesday and was the historical stomping ground for local Oldham musiciansFolk at the Oak took place every Wednesday and was the historical stomping ground for local Oldham musicians (Image: The Royal Oak)

But with the imminent closure now complete, nearby Bank Top Tavern on King Street has promised to step up to the mark and ensure the legend lives on, starting as soon as possible.

Staff at the pub said it would preserve the local tradition and has unveiled "Folk at the Tavern", kicking off as soon as this Wednesday (November 29) at 4pm.

In a post on social media, Bank Top Tavern said: "It's a crying shame as another iconic community pub and venue has been forced to close its doors.

"The Royal Oak has been a tradition and a legend since I can remember and is such a loss to Oldham's community and so many groups that rely on it.

"So, when we were asked by some members of the Folk on the Oak to carry on this great afternoon of fun and folk music, we said 'of course, it would be our pleasure!'"

The pub invited residents and customers, old and new, to come to the afternoon.

The post concluded: "If you fancy a bit of singing, play an instrument or just want to listen to some class music, come along, grab a table, relax and have some fun.

"Everyone is totally welcome on the day - just turn up."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.