Pride in Place funding brings exciting events to Ashton Town Centre

Ashton is set for a year of vibrant community events thanks to the first allocation of Pride in Place funding.

The Ashton Neighbourhood Board has confirmed that £8,000 will be allocated to Ashton’s Town Team to deliver a programme of seasonal activities designed to boost footfall, support local businesses, and celebrate the town’s unique character and will tie in with the opening of the redeveloped Market Square.

This funding forms part of a £41 million Government investment across Tameside, with nearly £20 million earmarked for Ashton over the next decade. The programme aims to create safer streets, improve public spaces, and strengthen community pride.

 

What’s on in 2026?

  • Amazing Ashton (March 21) – Live music, comedy entertainment, and family activities.
  • Sci-Fi Celebration (May 2) – supporting the annual event organised by Hyde Fundraisers featuring activities and characters.
  • Independent Business Awards (July) – Recognising and promoting Ashton’s independent traders.
  • Dinosaur Show (August 8) – Interactive dinosaur puppets and displays for families.
  • Heritage Day (September 19) – Vintage photo exhibits and heritage panels celebrating Ashton’s history.
  • Small Business Saturday (December 5) – Festive crafts, giveaways, and character appearances.

Phill Brown MBE, Chair of the Ashton Neighbourhood Board, said:

“This first allocation of Pride in Place funding represents another key moment for Ashton. We’re investing in our shared future, creating safer streets, showcasing our heritage, and strengthening the heart of our community to build on the transformation already underway across the town centre. These events will be a celebration of Ashton’s spirit. We’re proud to create opportunities that bring people together, highlight our heritage and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes our town special. There will be more announcements of further projects in the coming weeks”

 

Bill Fairfoull – Ashton Town Team Chair added:

“I would like to thank the Ashton neighbourhood board for facilitating this funding. This now allows us to bring an exciting programme of events to Ashton in 2026.

These events will support the many hundreds of small business who operate daily in our Town Centre and hopefully encourage more families to visit our town centre.”

This is just the start. More events will be added ahead of the Market Square reopening celebrations, bringing Ashton into a new era.

For updates and ways to get involved, visit [insert website] or follow Ashton Town Team on social media.For updates and ways to get involved, visit Ashton Town Team on social media.

 

 

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Who are Ashton Town Team?

Following the Portas review, an independent review into the future of our high streets, the Ashton Town Team was formed in 2012 with local businesses, Tameside Council and key stakeholders within the town centre.

It’s a voluntary organisation which relies on funding and sponsorship to achieve its aims in supporting our town centre and its small independent businesses. Small businesses offer something unique that provides an essential element in the mix of national retail and leisure which should form part of Ashton town centre.  Over the years the Town Team have introduced events like Scarefest, Heritage Day and supported Totally Locally campaigns like Fiverfest. We have campaigned on issues like parking, town centre signage and security. In 2019 we produced a map for the town centre and this year we launch the Independent Business Awards for the town centre.