Spectacular Sci-Fi Day awaits in Ashton

IT’S a day that promises to be lightyears ahead of the rest as Ashton-under-Lyne is transformed into a galaxy of excitement. 

A science-fiction spectacle awaits on Saturday, July 5, on what is shaping up to be a busy day in the town centre.

It’s the return of Ashton’s Sci-Fi Day – which is organised by Ashton Town Team in conjunction with Hyde Fundraisers, funded by the UKSPF Creative Communities grant, supported by Arcades Shopping Centre, Tameside Markets and Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Tameside Rotary have sponsored some of the themed giveaways for the Sci-Fi Day

Artist Paul Pickford will be showing children how to draw some of their favourite sci-fi and superhero characters and judging an art competition.

Tameside Rotary have also sponsored some themed giveaways – including masks, coasters, keyrings and badges – which will be available from the Ashton Town Team stall in the Ladysmith from 11am to 1pm. They will be joined for the giveaway by Miss Endeavour UK, Leanne Nuttall.

Hyde Fundraisers – which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year – will also be bringing some of their characters to tour the town centre, and Lego enthusiast Cameron McWiggan will have a display in the Market Hall.

That’s not all to entertain visitors as the spectacular Street Life event will also be taking place, from 10am until late on Market Avenue.

Organised by Andy Kleek and the team at Monopoly Events, businesses will be joining in the fun on a jam-packed day of attractions for all the family.

These include actor Spencer Wilding and a life-sized Scout Walker from Star Wars, along with Britain’s Got Talent’s Boogie Storm dancing stormtroopers and a pop-up cinema experience.

There is two hours free parking available at Tameside Council car parks, with drivers needing to display a free ticket to avoid a fine.

As The Correspondent has reported, the recent U-turn on fees across the borough has led to an increase in footfall in Ashton, much to the delight of local traders.