CHRISTMAS celebrations across Tameside this year will be ignited by a spectacular lantern parade in Ashton town centre.
The event on Saturday, November 18, will run from the afternoon to early evening and culminate in Father Christmas lighting up the tree and town by turning on the big switch.
Artists led by Mossley-based Global Grooves in collaboration with Cabassa and No-Eyed Theatre will be involved, as well as local residents and businesses, with support from Tameside Council.
All nine Tameside towns will be holding Christmas events – with everything from fairs and markets to food and fun activities for all the family.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, November 24 – Audenshaw and Dukinfield
Saturday, November 25 – Stalybridge, Denton, Mossley and Hyde
Friday, December 1 – Hattersley
Saturday, December 2 – Droylsden
Stalybridge will also play host to the final Stalybridge Street Fest event of the year on November 25, which will move to a Saturday slot to ensure a bumper celebration event.
Like the lantern parade, it will be funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Communities and Place.
Councillor Sangita Patel, Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage and Digital Inclusivity, said: “We want to build on the brilliant success of last year’s parade when over 5,000 people came out to enjoy the event creating an electric atmosphere and Ashton was positively buzzing with festive cheer.
“This year we want to make it bigger and better and are looking to get even more of the community involved. Everyone can play a part and really help support the event by joining in to help make lanterns, being part of the action or just by coming to watch and enjoy the dazzling displays lighting up the town in a true family friendly event.”
“Our festive events really highlight all of our towns across Tameside, which all bring their own unique and vibrant character to ensure that everyone can share in the festive spirit and pride in supporting their local community event.”
Images by Tameside Council