Fantastic Fridays on the Square!

IF Ashton’s first taste of a Friday evening street festival was any guide, the town clearly has the appetite for second helpings.

Over the four hours of Fridays on the Square on September 1, more than 1,000 people joined in the fun on Fletcher Square, enjoying the great food and drink, the free crafts, or just listening to the live entertainment provided by one-man-band Stompin’ Thompson, Northern Acoustic and Ska band Madame Claude.

Stalls offered a vast, varied and mouthwatering menu including Thai and Indian dishes, wood-fired pizza, toasted cheese sandwiches, wraps, churros, sourdough toasties, ice cream and more.

The market hall stayed open, and there was even an appearance from the fabled Black Knight, courtesy of Ashton Town Team.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “The success of the opening event surpassed our expectations.

“People from all age groups were there and there were lots of families too. It all served to create a lively, exciting atmosphere at a time when there wouldn’t usually be many people in the town centre.

“Our first Fridays on the Square in Ashton event proved to be precisely the sort of feelgood gathering that has served to put Stalybridge on Greater Manchester’s food and drink map. I’m sure it will go from strength to strength.

The next Fridays on the Square will be on October 6 (4 to 8pm), so make sure you don’t miss out. The market hall should be open again so drop in while you’re shopping and check which traders will be doing business.

www.intameside.co.uk