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
A local Manc content creator is looking to set a world record by running around Old Trafford
Danny Jones
A local content creator, who specialises in running/hiking content (and sandwiches), is looking to raise money and potentially set a world record by jogging around Old Trafford.
Oh, and by jogging, we mean running – for a really, REALLY long time…
If you’ve never come across his channel before, let us introduce you to local influencer and videographer Sam Matthew, a.k.a. ‘Peaks and Pubs‘.
Boasting plenty of fans on both Instagram and TikTok within the world of trail running, the outdoors community and beyond, he’s set to toastreaching a very specific achievement by “turning a milestone into a mission” and doing laps around Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club.
As explained in the video, he’s now surpassed 74,310 followers, i.e. the same capacity of supporters you can fit inside the Theatre of Dreams itself.
We know, it’s distance running and feats of endurance aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they are a great way of raising money and awareness, not to mention possibly getting yourself in the official Guinness Book of World Records.
Explaining the challenge in the caption of the video, Sam writes: “There’s now enough of you lot following this daft account of mine on here to fill a stadium I’ve adored since I was a little boy. And that genuinely means so much to me.
“So why not celebrate the occasion by punishing my legs and raising money for good causes along the way? Donations are, of course, the aim, but I understand that not everybody is in the position to do that, so any engagement on this post is hugely appreciated.
“I mean it from the bottom of my heart that you lot genuinely make this all happen for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I get to do silly stuff like this on a random Wednesday [29 October]. Giving off pure ‘your unemployed friend on a Wednesday’ vibes, but I love it!”
Raising money for the club’s in-house Manchester United Foundation, which has already shown its support for the upcoming ultra-marathon distance event, they are also looking to generate crucial funds with the return of another annual charity event too.
The Foundation does some incredible work all year-round, if you’d rather swap running around Old Trafford for sleeping.
Once again, Sam will be kicking off the serious step-count from approximately 9am this Wednesday (28 Oct), he’s estimating it’ll take him around a whopping nine and a half hours, “with plenty of breaks for food and fluids”, thank god.
As the man behind most of the Bada Bing videos, we expect plenty of butties to fuel the running.
Furthermore, although he’s set to take on the distance solo for the morning, he’s invited as many people who fancy getting involved to come and join him for a lap or two from 12 noon onwards; hopefully, he’ll see the Guinness people popping along to see if he registers a world record while he’s at it, too.
We hope there are a few pints at the pub waiting for you at the end, as always, Sam.
Featured Images — Peaks and Pubs (supplied)/The Manc Group
What's On
A live Shaun the Sheep stage show and circus is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves, because one of the best fun-for-all-ages events is coming to Manchester: the official Shaun the Sheep stage and circus show is coming to Factory International.
This isn’t just one to keep the children entertained; we already know plenty of big kids who grew up on Shaun, Shirley, and the rest of the sheep are already thinking about grabbing tickets.
Created by Nick Park, the same man responsible for Wallace and Gromit, this live stage production and incredibly practical circus show of the beloved British cartoon is already critically acclaimed.
Now set to make its full European debut right here in our city, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show teams up with leading performance company Circa to bring the TV show to life this winter.
‘It’s gonna be un-BAAA-leivable’.
Conceived not only by the award-winning minds at Aardman Animation, but the experienced performers at Circa, this ‘in the flesh’ (and wool) interpretation of the slapstick CBBC classic will not only delight younger audiences, but bring plenty of energy to keep the adults entertained too.
Promising a “live circus performance, simultaneously blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus for a visual spectacle packed with wit”, you can expect acrobatics and circus skills.
Stunts will include the likes of tumbling, juggling, aerial hoop, aerial silks, trapeze, Spanish web and Chinese pole, just to name a few.
And, of course, there’ll be plenty of Aardman’s signature heartwarming comedy in W&G, Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away and more.
Naturally, all the usual suspects will be on show to: Shaun, Bitzer, The Farmer and the rest of the Flock – and yes, in case the trailer didn’t give it away, they are people who are not just dressed up as adorable real-life lambs but bouncing, flipping and flying all over the stage.
Coming to Aviva Studios this festive period, it’ll be taking place in The Hall: one of the venue’s largest and most dynamic rooms, with the state-of-the-art building famously able to alter the size of individual stages and spaces depending on the event.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Circa and Aardman to present the European premiere of this fun-filled show at our home in Aviva Studios.
“Circa presents award-winning circus performances to audiences across the globe, and their collaboration with Aardman Studios creates a unique offering for families, circus fans and everyone who loves Shaun the Sheep“
Running from Tuesday, 11 December 2025 until Sunday, 4 January 2026, they’ve also ensured affordable admission from just £10; you can grab your tickets now.
Emily Sergeant -
7th April 2021 
