Ashton’s transformation continues to gather pace as Make Ashton Great Again has just unveiled a jam-packed programme of entertainment, events, and family fun for the rest of 2025.
Fresh off the back of their appearance at Comic Con Northern Ireland next weekend, Make Ashton Great Again will be launching an exciting new project right in the heart of Ashton - reopening Market Avenue and bringing it back to life with a vibrant mix of activities and attractions.
Tameside families can look forward to something special as the group officially opens the doors to the former Sorrentos Café at 2-4 Market Avenue, now transformed into a gaming and arcade bar suitable for all ages.
Right next door, a brand-new weekend cinema will also be making its debut, while other empty buildings along the avenue, including the iconic old bank, will host pop-up themed entertainment and community events.
This revival marks a major step in Make Ashton Great Again’s ongoing mission to reimagine Ashton’s town centre and provide engaging, accessible spaces for all.
Spooktacular Halloween week (24 Oct – 1 Nov)
October sees the return of the frightfully popular Halloween celebrations, and this year promises to be the biggest yet.
From Friday 24th October to Saturday 1st November, Market Avenue will be the place to be for thrill-seekers and families alike. Planned activities include:
- Living Dead parades and costume groups
- Scare mazes and horror-themed escape rooms
- Thriller dance classes and ghost walks
- Horror gaming arcades, pumpkin picking, and set builds
- Pop-up themed bars, food traders, and Halloween merch
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two...
A Victorian Christmas wonderland in Ashton
As the nights grow colder, Market Avenue will undergo another magical transformation, this time into a Victorian-inspired winter wonderland for Christmas.
From early December (dates to be confirmed), visitors can expect:
- Festive decorations in the style of Charles Dickens
- A traditional Santa’s Grotto and even a Grinch Grotto
- Elf-making workshops and themed gaming
- Christmas cinema, pop-up bars, and trade stalls
- Lantern walks, carol singers, and live bands
- And yes, it will snow, and yes, you may see celebs roaming the avenue!
Decorations will remain in place throughout November and December, making the avenue a must-visit festive destination.
Make Ashton Great Again is calling on local residents, artists, creators, and volunteers to get involved. They’re keen to co-create events with the community, and are open to new ideas, themes, and collaborations.
If you have something to offer - or just want to lend a hand - reach out directly via the Make Ashton Great Again social media pages.
The latest announcement of events follows the success of the last two Street Life festivals in Ashton.
Organiser Andy Kleek told the Reporter about the success of the latest Street Life event on the 23rd of August: “We wish to thank the community of Tameside for such a big turnout once again, it really has brought the feel-good factor back into the town.
“People travelled from far and wise to make the event, and it’s great to see people coming into the town who would potentially never visit Ashton.”
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