THE DATE for the official opening of Ashton-under-Lyne’s reconfigured Market Square has been confirmed.
And a programme of events for the area has been lined up, including the formal marking of the £10.8 million project on Saturday, July 11.
Events on a big screen, a host of artisan and themed markets and what is known as ‘Super Saturdays’ are being put forward.
Details of pop-up traditional-looking market stalls that will lie underneath the new canopy at them have also been revealed.
Installation of the canopy, which is being paid for by money from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, has been a source of controversy to many people.
But a meeting of Tameside Council’s executive cabinet on Wednesday, March 25, will set out plans for the new-look area.
That includes the festive Lantern Parade being moved to Ashton on Saturday, November 14.
The official grand reopening is lined up for Saturday, July 11, with ‘live music from major artists’ planned while a big screen will show the men’s Wimbledon final the day after.
Six independent street markets, on the third Sunday of every month from July to December, would also be held.
While the day before each one, Little Owl would hold a Town Market.
August 15, September 19 and October 17 will see ‘Super Saturdays’ with different themes – Join The Circus, Market Ground Music and Super Scary Saturday.
And before all that, Ashton’s marketplace will join Stalybridge’s Victoria Market Hall in hosting a four-day Spring Family Festival, with Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9 seeing free vintage fairground rides, carnival, theatre, dance and music performances, free face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts and street food stalls.
Sunday, April 11 will see street food stalls and free entertainment in a taster of Super Saturday evets.
Monday, March 30 until Thursday, April 2 will also play host to It’s A Spring Thing, several dance workshops culminating with a flash mob performance in the heart of the town centre.
A report for the executive cabinet states: “These events will increase footfall, support the town centres, change perceptions of place, increase community participation, provide high quality creative opportunities for all, support home-grown creative talent and celebrate the uniqueness of the towns.”
It adds, while costing the programme at £80,000 of council funds as a £130,000 grant has already been secured: “The vision for Ashton Market is to re-launch operations on a Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
“To complement the canopy and theming of the kiosks, there will be a pop up traditional striped market stalls, located under the canopy.
“This will enhance the market environment, promote engagement, and provide a strong visual presence.
“Alongside these stalls, specialist market activity will take place throughout the month and be themed i.e. Artisan or Retro Markets located on the edges of the canopy and into the Market Square.
“There will be an event in April that will offer a taster of what the space will offer when fully opened.
“The event will be an explosion of colour and creativity, with street food stalls, walkabout theatre stilt walkers, arts and crafts and aerial displays.
“This will be a taster of what Ashton Market Square will bring once fully opened.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to come together to experience a programme full of exciting theatre, music, dance and food and drinks.
“The event will offer families a free programme full of cultural activity and will provide a taste of what is to come in Ashton Market Square, as well as welcoming the return of the successful Stalybridge Street Fest.
“Once the square is fully opened there will be an opening event that will celebrate Ashton Market Square using the entire space.”