Thousands Flock to Ashton as Independent Street Brings New Life to the Town Centre.
We did it, Ashton! ā¤ļø
On Sunday 19th July 2026, Independent Street Artisan Markets officially arrived in Ashton-under-Lyne for the very first timeāand what an unforgettable launch it was.
From the moment Market Street opened, the town centre was alive with energy. Thousands of visitors explored the artisan market, enjoyed free family activities, discovered incredible independent businesses, sampled delicious street food, and soaked up the fantastic atmosphere created by live music throughout the day.
When Tameside Council invited us to bring Independent Street Artisan Markets to Ashton-under-Lyne, we knew the town deserved something truly special. What unfolded exceeded every expectation.
The streets were bustling, local shops and cafƩs were thriving, families spent quality time together, and more than 70 independent traders showcased some of the very best artisan food, handmade gifts, crafts, homeware, fashion and unique products the region has to offer.
This wasn’t simply another market.
It was a celebration of independent business, community spirit and everything that makes our town centres worth visiting.
Bringing Ashton-under-Lyne Back to Life
One comment from the day has stayed with us ever since.
As we walked through the crowds, we overheard some words that perfectly captured what the day was all about:
"I've not seen Ashton this busy for 10 years."
"I've seen faces in Ashton that I haven't seen for years."
Independent Street has always believed that artisan markets are about much more than shopping. They’re about creating places where communities reconnect, where local businesses benefit from increased footfall, and where people choose to spend their weekends supporting independent traders instead of shopping online.
Seeing Ashton-under-Lyne filled with smiles, conversation and people enjoying their town centre again made every early morning, planning meeting and late night worthwhile.
Visitors Share Their Experience
The feedback we received across social media was overwhelming.
"Ashton was packed today! We came to look at the market which was amazing. Proper quality. As we walked back to the car all of the shops were so busy! Fantastic work to all involved."
"Yeah! Ashton is coming back! I loved today. Lovely atmosphere, I've lived here since 1983. This is just what Ashton needs."
"We took the grandkids for an hour. Great free craft and face painting. Brilliant array of traders!"
More Than an Artisan Market
Visitors enjoyed a full day out with something for everyone, including:
- Over 70 artisan makers and independent businesses
- Delicious street food from local vendors
- Handmade gifts and unique shopping
- Free children’s craft workshops
- Free face painting
- Live music throughout the day
- A fantastic atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages
Events like these don’t just support market tradersāthey also bring valuable footfall into surrounding shops, cafĆ©s, restaurants and businesses, helping strengthen the local economy and encourage people back into town centres.
This Is Only the Beginning
The success of our first Ashton-under-Lyne event is just the start.
From Sunday 16th August 2026, Independent Street Artisan Markets will expand even further into Ashton Market Square, welcoming even more independent traders and creating an even bigger destination for shoppers, food lovers and families across Greater Manchester.
Our aim is simple: to continue growing one of the region’s most exciting monthly artisan markets while supporting local businesses and creating an event the whole community can enjoy.
Thank You, Ashton-under-Lyne
A huge thank you goes to every single person who attended our launch event.
Whether you shopped with our traders, supported local businesses, shared our social media posts, brought your family along or simply came to enjoy the atmosphereāyou helped make our first Ashton event an incredible success.
We’d also like to thank our fantastic traders, musicians, children’s activity providers, event team and Tameside Council for believing in our vision and helping make this exciting new monthly event possible.
Together, we’ve shown exactly what can happen when communities come together to support independent businesses.
Join Us Next Month
We’ll be back on Sunday 16th August 2026, and then every third Sunday of the month.
If you’re looking for one of the best artisan markets in Greater Manchester, packed with independent shopping, delicious food, live entertainment and free family activities, we’d love to welcome you.
Come and experience the atmosphere for yourself, support local businesses, and discover why Independent Street Artisan Markets are helping bring town centres back to life.
We can’t wait to see you in Ashton-under-Lyne again.