A Nightmare on Market Avenue

Ashton-under-Lyne is set to come alive with ghosts, ghouls, and all things spooky this Halloween as Streetlife 3: A Nightmare on Market Avenue arrives in town from Friday 24th October to Saturday 1st November.

The nine-day event will transform Market Avenue into a Halloween spectacular, packed with attractions, live entertainment, eerie lights, and themed decorations that promise to thrill visitors of all ages.

Organised by the team behind Make Ashton Great Again, Streetlife 3 will see local businesses along Market Avenue and surrounding streets join forces to create a truly immersive Halloween experience. Each venue will offer something unique, from scare mazes and ghost walks to retro gaming, crafts, and live music. Visitors are encouraged to dress up, explore the street, and soak up the spooky atmosphere.

One of the main attractions will be the Theatre of Screams scare maze, located in the old Yorkshire Bank building at 24 Market Avenue. Running on 24th, 25th, 31st October and 1st November, with time slots from 5.30pm to 10.40pm, it promises to deliver spine-chilling fun for brave guests. Tickets are available at: www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/article/theatre-of-screams-2025 

For those seeking even more paranormal excitement, the Twilight Ghost Hunts at the Metro Majestic Cinema on Delamere Street will be taking place across several nights in October and November, from 7pm until midnight. Tickets are available at: www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/article/twilight-ghost-hunt

Those who prefer a more leisurely encounter with the supernatural can join the daily Ghost Walks or Vigils & Workshops starting at 6pm and 3pm respectively, both from the Moon & Back Bar at 6 Market Avenue. These events are free to join, though spaces can be reserved by emailing twilightghosthunts@outlook.com.

For a dose of nostalgia, the Retro Gaming Arcade will be open every day inside the old Sorrentos coffee shop at 2/4 Market Avenue. Entry costs £3, but anyone arriving in Halloween fancy dress gets in for free.

There’s also a Pop-Up Cinema with daily screenings at 12pm and 2pm for families, and 7pm and 9pm for adults, all completely free of charge.

Families can look forward to a host of daytime activities too. There will be free face painting at The Altar of The Juggernaut, 15 Market Avenue, and a Pumpkin Hunt running daily from 10am to 4pm, starting at Food & Thorn on Stamford Street. Budding artists can enter the Pumpkin Crafting Competition by dropping off their carved creations at The Loom Room on Wellington Street before 6pm on 25th October, when the winner will be announced.

The weekend of 24th–26th October will see horror film characters roaming the streets for meet-and-greet sessions from midday, followed by zombie walks at 4pm and 7pm each day, starting from the Moon & Back Bar.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 25th October, Blaze Dance Academy will be bringing the energy with a Thriller flash mob in the centre of Market Avenue from 2pm until late.

Visitors can also enjoy live piano and acoustic music at The Travelling Man, 9 Market Avenue, across several nights of the event, including a special performance by magician Paul Tongue on Halloween and 1st November. For those wanting to keep the party going, the Scream Cocktail Bar at 14 Market Avenue and the Mad Monster After Party at Chute Bar on Bow Street will be open late on selected nights.

Market Avenue itself will be transformed into a walk-through movie set, featuring detailed recreations from horror favourites such as The Lost Boys, SAW, Elm Street, Hellboy, Bates Motel, and Poltergeist. Visitors can also snap a souvenir photo at the Lost Boys Santa Carla photo box, all free of charge.

Other local venues, including Hoppy Days, Nico Ditch, Tapsters, Browtons, The Ladysmith, Bar15, Loca, and Feathers, will also be hosting their own Halloween-themed events throughout the week, with details shared on their social media pages.

Streetlife 3 ‘A Nightmare on Market Avenue’ promises to be one of Ashton’s biggest Halloween celebrations yet, bringing together the best of local creativity, community spirit, and seasonal fun. To get involved or volunteer, message the Make Ashton Great Again Facebook page or email info@tamesideofficial.co.uk.