New Ashton Market Square opens with Christmas celebrations this Saturday

The newly-transformed Ashton Market Square will officially open its doors this Saturday, 14th November.

The opening will coincide with a day of Christmas celebrations, culminating in the much-loved Northern Lights Lantern Parade, Christmas lights switch-on, and a fireworks finale.

Residents, shoppers, and visitors alike are invited to join the festivities as Ashton unveils its newly transformed Market Square. This should mark an exciting new chapter for the heart of the town centre. However, the transformation and the time it has taken to complete, has been the subject of some criticism.

The celebrations will get underway from 11am, with a Christmas market bringing a festive buzz to the square. Running for two weeks, from the 14th to the 28th of November, the market will offer visitors the opportunity to browse seasonal stalls, enjoy the atmosphere, and get started on their Christmas shopping.

The launch will also feature a festive funfair, music, and live entertainment, making it a potentially great day out for families and visitors of all ages.

The Market Square transformation has seen the creation of 10 new permanent kiosks, bringing together a mix of independent traders, including familiar faces from Ashton Market alongside new businesses. Visitors will be able to discover everything from street food and fresh produce to gifts and everyday services.

Alongside the new kiosks, the redesigned square is designed to offer a welcoming and flexible events space that will host traditional general markets, speciality markets, and a programme of events throughout the year.

Improvements include more seating, enhanced lighting, artwork, greenery and increased open space.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said in a press release: "This is such an exciting time for Ashton. The transformation of Ashton Market Square is about much more than creating a new look. It's about creating a welcoming place that meets modern day shopping and leisure habits, where people can come together, support local businesses, enjoy events and spend time with family and friends in the heart of our town centre.

“I’m delighted to officially open the square as part of the Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas celebrations, giving residents and visitors the chance to experience everything this fantastic new community space has to offer."

The excitement will continue into the evening as the spectacular Northern Lights Lantern Parade returns to Ashton, kicking off the festive season across Tameside.

This year's parade, themed 'The Hare and the Moon', promises a magical procession inspired by Tameside's landscape, wildlife, and imagination. The parade is thanks to a collaboration between Tameside Council and local creative organisations, Global Grooves, Cabasa, and No Eyed Theatre. The event will bring together residents, schools, community groups, and volunteers.

The parade will set off from Ashton Old Baths at 5pm, making its way through the town centre before arriving at the newly opened Market Square at approximately 6pm. The celebrations will continue with the Christmas lights switch-on followed by a fireworks finale.

Local people have also had the opportunity to get involved in the celebrations through lantern-making workshops, creating handmade lanterns to line the parade route or carry as part of the procession.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley, said in a press release: “We are thrilled to be bringing back the Northern Lights Lantern Parade to set off the Christmas celebrations in Tameside. It is always a fantastic evening of lights, culture, community, and festivities, and we are expecting this year to be just as incredible for residents and visitors. Make sure you save the date, spread the word and come and join us as we mark the beginning of the celebrations.”

With the opening of the new Market Square combined with a Christmas market, live entertainment, funfair rides, a lantern parade, and fireworks, Saturday (14th November) promises to be a fantastic celebration for Ashton and Tameside as a whole.