Streetlife takes over Ashton with Star Wars, retro gaming, and community spirit

Ashton-under-Lyne was buzzing with life on Saturday, 23rd August, as Streetlife returned to the town centre for another unforgettable day of entertainment, food, and community celebration.

From the moment the streets opened up to hundreds of eager visitors, the town was transformed into a vibrant festival ground, filled with themed food stalls, pop culture icons, and activities for all ages. Organised by Make Ashton Great Again in partnership with a host of volunteers, performers, and local businesses, Streetlife proved once again that Ashton knows how to put on a show.

One of the highlights of the day was the Star Wars-themed experience, drawing fans young and old. Characters including Han Solo, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Wookies roamed the streets posing for photos and entertaining guests. The themed treats didn’t disappoint either – Millingtons Munchies delighted crowds with galactic goodies like “Jam Jar Binks” and “Wookie Cookies.”

The aroma of sizzling street food filled the air, with pizza stalls and sweet treats around every corner. The Hidden Kitchen opened its doors to offer delicious brownie, marshmallow, and strawberry kebabs, which proved a massive hit, and having tried one myself I can say they were delicious!

A dedicated retro gaming room offered a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic video games, while Top Rope Wrestling returned, this time blessed with better weather, allowing them to entertain the crowd longer than at previous events.

Legendary British TV favourite Ricky Tomlinson in character as Jim Royle made an appearance, meeting fans while seated on the iconic Royle Family sofa, and the Ozzy Osbourne throne drew long lines throughout the day - ultimately helping raise almost £1,000 for charity.

One attendee, Ben, said: "I thought Streetlife was amazing, as a massive Star Wars fan I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the event. I managed to get lots of pictures with the characters and even bought some Chewbacca and C3PO brownies. I think it's a great way to get all ages involved and see what Ashton can do."

Millingtons Munchies

Organisers credited the success of Streetlife to a massive collaborative effort. In a statement posted on Make Ashton Great Again Facebook page, organiser Andy Kleek said: “There are a lot of people to thank who made Streetlife happen. Special mention goes to Jason from the Moon and Back, he really helped pull all of this together while I was busy touring the UK with our Comic Cons. Huge effort from him dealing with the council and getting everything organised.”

He continued: “A huge thanks to all our building lads who work in Ashton town centre who have been busy all week on the run-up and afterwards rigging then derigging the event.

“Thanks to our Monopoly Events staff, production crew, volunteers, the bikers volunteer group, and the Job Centre for helping source further volunteers.”

The statement also praised the live performers who contributed their time for free, with Hype Drive supplying the majority of the DJs, and multiple live acts energising the crowd. Costume groups such as the Mos Eisley Misfits, Wookiees, Central Legion, and others added fun and flair, with many raising money for charities. The Mos Eisley Misfits alone reported raising £400 for their chosen cause.

Darth Vadar and Emperor Palpatine.

Other contributors included Stalybridge Fire Brigade, Zumba and Blaze Dance Academy, local shops and traders, Gibsons Music (who donated a guitar), and the company that donated traffic management equipment.

And the biggest thanks? That went to the people of Ashton. The event saw thousands in attendance, with the streets absolutely packed from start to finish.

“Lastly but most importantly, a huge thanks to YOU the public who attended to Make Ashton Great Again at Streetlife,” said Andy.

“We have put on two huge events now, with thousands in attendance, and our aim was to bring back the feel-good factor, which I think we have achieved.

“Thank you Ashton, we did it together.”

People enjoyed the music and even danced in the streets.