Ashton town centre gears up for spectacular street life event

From giant Star Wars machines to disco stormtroopers, a bold new community celebration hits Market Avenue on Saturday 5th July.

A full-scale wrestling ring, an 8-metre mechanical Star Wars walker, dancing stormtroopers and life-sized dinosaurs may sound like something out of a comic con, but this summer, it’s all happening right in the heart of Ashton.

Introducing Street Life: a brand new, one-day community festival taking over Market Avenue on Saturday 5th July, from 10AM until late. Free to attend and open to all ages, the event promises an explosion of creativity, culture and big-day-out energy, celebrating the community of Ashton and Tameside.

At the centre of the spectacle is a rare appearance from a towering 8-metre Scout Walker (AT-ST) - a jaw-dropping mechanical build direct from the Star Wars universe, previously exclusive to comic cons and private exhibitions.

This is the first time it will be appearing at a community event and it’s free to see.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT STREET LIFE 2025:

● Mini Metro Majestic Pop-Up Cinema- screening classics, kids’ favourites & family films inside a transformed town centre unit, teasing the return of Ashton’s beloved art deco cinema

● Giant Mechanical Dinosaurs roaming the street

● Top Rope Wrestling- a full live wrestling ring with shows throughout the day

● Boogie Storm- the Britain’s Got Talent finalist dance troupe of disco stormtroopers

● The 99th Garrison- not-for-profit Star Wars costuming group with screen-accurate characters and props, raising money for charity

● Northwest Custom 3D- custom printed models, busts, lightsabers and more

● Free face painting and temporary glitter tattoos for kids

● Free festival hair braiding

● Local businesses showcasing on market stalls

● Live Music & DJ Sets from a wide range of genres

● Street Food by Liam Marley, showcasing multiple local vendors

● Walkabout Performers, Parades & Surprise Entertainment

● And still so much more to be announced including special guest appearances

“We want to give Ashton something to be proud of,” says the Street Life team. “This is about creating joy, spotlighting local talent, and reminding people how fun and vibrant a town centre can be. There’s truly something for everyone. Following the huge success of a last-minute VE Day street party last month, which brought the community together in the most brilliant, unexpected way, we saw the opportunity to scale it up, dream bigger, and create something beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.”

The event also shines a light on Ashton’s future, with the reveal of Top Rope Wrestling’s new local academy and a preview of The Metro Majestic Cinema, set to reopen in 2026 after restoration.

Street Life 2025 is happening on Saturday 5th July, 10AM – Late on Market Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne. There is free entry and all ages are welcome. Whether you're there for the lightsabers, the body slams, the street food, or the dance floor, Street Life promises a full day of unforgettable moments – all made with and for the Tameside community.

For more information and updates: linktr.ee/tamesideofficial