FREE children’s rides and activities promise to make Tameside Christmas Market a family favourite this year.The Christmas Market will take place in the Market Street area of Ashton (behind Ashton Market Hall) over the first three weekends of December (2-4 Dec, 9-11 Dec and 16-18 Dec) opening Friday and Saturday 11am–9pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.It will offer a selection of free rides and craft activities over the three weekends including donkey rides, a ferris wheel, swing boats, land train, a carousel and gingerbread man and bauble decorating – all of it free for everyone!There will also be over 20 traditional cabin stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts as well as delicious festive food and drinks including mulled wine, craft ales, hog roast, waffles and crepes and other winter warmers.
Santa’s Grotto will be another highlight - with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s Charity supporting a number of local good causes.
While street entertainers, reindeer, elves and other favourite characters will be welcoming visitors to the market and Ashton town centre – so don’t forget to bring your camera!
For tired legs and those wishing to relax, there will be a covered refreshments and seating area where shoppers and diners can enjoy music and dance performances while little ones get stuck into the free Christmas crafts.
Tameside Council Executive Deputy leader Cllr John Taylor, who is responsible for Markets, said: “The Christmas market will complement the many vibrant shops and market stalls already on offer, helping to promote Tameside, support traders and boost business. This year we have gone for a really traditional, family feel with lots of free fun as well as festive shopping – there’ll be something for everyone and it will be a great opportunity to enjoy the lovely atmosphere of a Christmas market without facing huge costs or even bigger crowds. Get it in your diary now!”
Tameside Council is working with town teams and partners and to support Christmas light switch ons and other festive events across the borough – look out for further details coming soon.
Keep updated on latest news and entertainment information on Tameside Christmas Market by following on @TamesideMarkets on Twitter.
