Shoppers are being invited to show their support for Ashton-under-Lyne’s independent businesses as voting opens for the Ashton Independent Retail Awards 2026.
Organised by Ashton Town Team, the awards celebrate the retailers, traders, cafés, salons and hospitality venues that help keep the town centre thriving.
Voting opens on June 1 and will run throughout the month, with winners set to be announced from July 14.
This year’s awards focus exclusively on businesses based within Ashton town centre, recognising the efforts of independent traders who continue to attract shoppers and visitors despite the challenges faced in recent years.
The awards cover businesses located across the town centre, including Stamford Street, George Street, Old Street, Katherine Street, Oldham Road, Penny Meadow, Fletcher Street, Market Street, Booth Street, Henrietta Street, Bow Street, Warrington Street, Market Avenue, Wood Street, Delamere Street, Wellington Street, Cavendish Street, Bentinck Street and St Michael’s Square, as well as independent businesses operating within Ashton Market, Market Ground and the town’s shopping centres.
A new category has also been introduced for 2026, allowing residents to vote for their favourite bar or club in the town centre.
The award categories are:
- Fashion and Footwear
- Fresh Food
- Café or Takeaway
- Jewellers
- Hair and Beauty
- Specialist Retail
- Floral, Cards and Gifts
- Market Trader
- Bar or Club
- New Business
A spokesperson for Ashton Town Team said: “We’ve had a tough time in Ashton town centre in the past few years after Covid, with the work on the market ground causing disruption for many businesses. The awards are a chance to showcase our fantastic independent businesses and for shoppers to recognise the great service and value they receive.”
Residents can cast their votes throughout June via Ashton Small Biz Awards voting page.
The awards are supported through the UK Government’s Pride in Place funding programme.