FREE fairground rides and live entertainment are coming to Stalybridge and Ashton-under-Lyne as Tameside’s Spring Family Festival returns in the Easter holidays.
Running over four days from Wednesday, April 8, the festival promises a mix of family-friendly activities as organisers Tameside Council look to tempt residents into the town centres.
Things get under way in Ashton Market Square with a two-day Spring Preview on April 8 and 9, running from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors can expect vintage fairground favourites including a traditional carousel and helter-skelter, alongside street performances, live music, dance, face painting and crafts.
While parts of the square remain under redevelopment, a central section near Ashton Library will host the event.
The festival then heads to Stalybridge on Friday, April 10, for the return of Street Fest, taking place from 5pm to 9pm. The popular monthly event will feature a wide range of food and drink stalls, family entertainment and an artisan market inside Stalybridge Victoria Market Hall.
Celebrations round off back in Ashton on Saturday, April 11, with a “Super Saturday” taster day. The food-themed event will offer a preview of what’s to come once the market square reopens fully in the summer, with more street food, live performances and free activities for children.
Council bosses say the festival is about more than just entertainment, it’s also a chance for people to see how the town centres are changing.
Tameside Council’s Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Estates, Julian Jackson, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families, residents and visitors of all ages into Ashton and Stalybridge to see the transformation work taking place and get a taste of our fantastic cultural events programme for the towns.
“This is only the start of our transformational plans for all of our town centres to help them meet the needs of residents, visitors and businesses and move with current shopping, leisure and cultural trends.
“Thank you to everyone – businesses, shoppers and visitors – for your patience while Ashton Market Square is undergoing redevelopment. The square will be fully back open in the early summer but, in the meantime, come along and enjoy these events during the Easter school holidays and support our towns and local businesses.”
With free parking for up to two hours in council-run car parks before 6pm, the local authority hopes families will take the opportunity for a low-cost day out and give local businesses a welcome boost at the same time.