Ashton set to come alive with new artisan market and Super Saturday events

Ashton town centre is set for a summer boost with a packed programme of free monthly family-friendly events and the launch of a brand-new artisan market.

Firstly, Tameside Council has teamed up with award-winning Independent Street to bring a new monthly artisan market to the town, launching on Sunday 19 July (11am–4pm) and running on the third Sunday of each month.

The market will feature around 70 independent traders, offering everything from street food and baked goods to handmade crafts, alongside live music, and children’s activities. Running from 11am until 4pm, the first event will also feature live music by northern musician Olly Flavell, a free arts workshop for children by artist Mila and free face painting for little ones. 

Alongside this, the popular Super Saturday’s events will return, starting with the ‘Welcome to Ashton’ event where Fletcher Square will be filled with live theatre, balloon modelling, face painting, music, and street artists for a free family funday between 11am–3pm.

 It will be followed by Join the Circus themed event on Saturday 15 August, offering colourful entertainment including stilt walkers, jugglers, and interactive circus workshops. This follows the successful Spring Family Festival earlier this year, where Ashton’s Spring Preview and a Super Saturday taster event drew strong crowds and offered a popular first glimpse of how the town’s revitalised events programme.

The Artisan market and Super Saturday events in July will take place as the finishing touches are being added to the Market Square’s transformation.

Further Super Saturday events will also take place in September, October and November, bringing live music, seasonal activities, and themed family fun to the town centre.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, said:
“It’s fantastic to see more free events for families to enjoy culture and creativity together in Ashton. From live performances to hands-on activities, the Super Saturday’s events help bring art and culture into the heart of our communities in a way that is accessible, engaging and fun for all ages.”

Cllr Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity added: “The new artisan market is a fantastic way to showcase Ashton and bring it to life, it has always been a proud market town, and working with Independent Street allows us to celebrate that heritage while creating something fresh and exciting for residents and visitors. Market events like this support local traders, boost footfall, and help make the town centre a more vibrant place to be.”

Lisa Cowley, owner of Independent Street, said: “We are so excited to bring our award-winning markets to Ashton town centre. Events like this are a terrific way to bring the community together while boosting footfall and connecting visitors with local businesses. There will also be free children’s craft activities, face painting, and live music. Ashton has real market history, and we are so excited to bring the markets back on Sunday 19th July. We hope you can make it!”

All events are free to attend, with no booking required.

Find out more at www.intameside.co.uk