There’s a brand new artisan market event that’s gearing up to arrive in Ashton-under-Lyne in only a matter of weeks.
The Market Co – an established operator already well-known across Greater Manchester for hosting other market events in Urmston and Haigh Woodland Park, as well as in Wilmslow, Northwich and Chesterfield – will host its first, highly-anticipated Ashton Artisan Market at Market Square later this month.
It’s hoped that the markets will breathe new life into Ashton town centre as it emerges and bounces back from the effects of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The event is set to take place on the last Saturday of every month.
Nearly 100 of the “very finest artisan market traders” will be lining the square to offer a high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is “local, ethical and original”, so whether you’re after something for tea, a gift for a friend, a treat for someone special or simply stocking up on essentials that you can’t get anywhere else, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
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“There’s nothing else like what we do in the area at the moment,” said Denise Valente, Director at The Market Co.
“We are encouraging traders from Tameside to get involved, as well as some from our other markets [and] we are trying to keep things as local as possible”.
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So, what can we expect then?
According to The Market Co website, the Ashton Artisan Market is set to be a “magnificent spectacle” that gives visitors an opportunity to browse stalls, taste the culinary treats, talk to artists, vintage dealers and designer-makers, or sample some the hot authentic street food whilst being entertained by local musicians.
Denise continued: “All the products have to meet our quality criteria and everything has to be handmade by the artisan that is selling it, whether that’s scones and bread, or jewellery and arts.
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“We are also going to bring in some really exciting street food and local musicians, and it should be a really nice atmosphere and a good addition to the events taking place in Tameside as we move out of lockdown”.
Denise – who has been running artisan markets for the past 10 years – also admits that there was a real enthusiasm from Tameside Council to launch the event in Ashton, and she believes that it will give the town centre a much-needed boost.
“High streets need people to return to them,” she added.
“Especially after the pandemic when people are going to be wary, so we need to give them a good reason to come”.
“All the traders will have masks and there are extensive sanitary regulations they have to adhere to, we also encourage full social distancing for traders and customers, and for the public to wear face masks [too]
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“We will also have free-standing hand sanitiser stations.
“We want people to feel comfortable to come to the event and for traders to feel safe”.
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The first Ashton Artisan Market will take place on Saturday 24th April, with the event continuing to run on the last Saturday of every month throughout 2021.
The event will run from 10am – 4pm.
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You can find more information about traders, location, and COVID safety measures here.
Featured Image – The Market Co / Aberrant Perspectives
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th April 2021 
