What’s in store at the Ashton Christmas celebrations

Ashton town centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland this Saturday (22 November) as the Christmas Celebrations arrive with a packed programme of magical performances, creative activities and family fun.

Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of roaming entertainment, enchanting storytelling and hands-on festive crafts, all designed to bring the community together and kickstart the holiday season in true Tameside style.

Families are invited to step into a world of imagination with Goofus Theatre’s All in a Mouse’s Night, a whimsical, non-verbal puppetry performance following the charming adventures of a curious mouse. Performances take place inside the Indoor Market at 11:30am, 2pm and 4pm.

Out in Fletcher Square, The Show Globe’s Living Snow Globe promises a touch of winter magic. This interactive roaming spectacle brings a snow-filled fantasy to life at 12pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Adding a playful chill to the festivities, Artemis Productions’ Jacks of Frost will roam between the Indoor Market and Fletcher Square at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, spreading mischief, snowy surprises and plenty of festive cheer.

From 11am to 5pm, the Indoor Market will host a range of Festive Arts & Crafts led by Oldham Play Action Group. Children can get hands-on with activities including penguin calendars, baubles, ornaments and suncatchers, perfect to take home or gift to loved ones.

Meanwhile, Vix Face-painting will be offering free seasonal face designs and colourful balloon modelling from 11am to 5pm, adding an extra sparkle to the day.

There will also be a food market on Market Street, and a Christmas artisan market from 11am.

The street food vendors include: Belgem Waffle, Hungry Hungarian, Spicy Jack Deli, Proper Grub Club, Cooperman Street Food, Dim Sum Su, the vendors will be there until the end of the event at 6pm.

To help families make the most of the celebrations, free parking will be available at a number of council car parks, including Old Cross Street, Henrietta Street, Wimpole Street, Mulberry Street, Union Street, Water Street and Old Street. Free parking will also apply at council car parks from 4pm during upcoming festive events across Tameside.