The stage is set in Ashton for a creative and musical feast

The lights are on, and the stage is set for Fridays on the Square in Ashton which will be bursting with creative activities, live local music and performers, tasty food and drink on Friday 1 September.

The event will remind us that the summer is definitely not over yet in a creative extravaganza with a few very special guests which will give everyone an opportunity to come along and join in the fun!

Running from 4-8pm the event will arrive in Fletcher Square, (at the rear of Ashton Market) in the form of local artists which will give families and everyone else a chance to explore their artistic talent and creative side.

Ashton ‘s own arts organisation Phantasmagoria will be joined by a Northwest community arts company and will together create lots of fantastic art to demonstrate that it can very much still be summer in September.

On the live music stage there will be acoustic guitars and live local bands like Northern Acoustic from Stalybridge providing foot tapping music with pop classic alternative vibes and lots more. There will also be an extra special surprise guest musicians headlining but our lips are sealed on this one, you’ll have to come along to find out more and see the surprise unveiled.

The event is not just about art and music—it's also a chance to showcase local traders Businesses like Lilly’s and Nat’s Bombay Kitchen are joining forces with other fantastic traders curated by The Market Company and Ashton Market. This collaborative effort between local businesses adds another layer of vibrancy to the event, ensuring a fantastic range of offerings for everyone to explore.

In the lead up to the event Global Grooves will also be holding workshops where everyone is invited to help create unique and bespoke banners which will be displayed at all the events that follow. Keep your eyes peeled for more details.

“Fridays on the Square’ is set to be a get together that celebrates creativity, music and community spirit. With a blend of local talents, surprise guest musicians, artistic fun and local businesses coming together, it promises an enjoyable evening. The event’s energy and excitement will serve a reminder that the summer isn’t quite over yet, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in September.

Councillor Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage, and Digital Inclusivity, said: “It is exciting to see the event coming together incorporating the local community, businesses and partners. We know Ashton has a fantastic cultural offer, with both local arts, and creative activities and this event will really help add some vibrancy to Ashton. We really want the event to bring people together so they can relax and have some creative fun in a safe and welcoming environment. So do come along and join in, everyone is invited!”

Fridays on the Square has been fully funded from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Communities and Place for the Ashton Creative Improvement District.
 For more information, go to www.intameside.co.uk/fridaysonthesquare.
 To find out more information about UKSPF, please visit www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/UKSPF