HALLOWEEN FUN COMES TO ASHTON! There's some spooky fun heading to Ashton town centre this Halloween – but don't worry, it's not too scary! Ashton's Not So Scary Halloween takes place on Saturday, October 31, with a family-friendly event featuring some wonderfully wicked characters. Come along, soak up the Halloween atmosphere and enjoy a little half-term fun in the town centre. Saturday, October 31 | 11am–2pm Organised with Ashton Town Team, Ashton Market and Ladysmith Shopping Centre. AD #AshtonUnderLyne #Halloween #Tameside #FamilyFun #AshtonTownCentre

ROTARY members from across Tameside joined the borough's Civic Mayor to mark World Polio Day and highlight the global effort to eradicate the disease. Councillor Helen Bowden attended a gathering at Dukinfield Town Hall alongside members of Dukinfield & Stalybridge Rotary Club and Tameside Rotary Club. The event marked World Polio Day on October 24, an annual awareness campaign highlighting the importance of vaccination and the progress made towards eliminating polio worldwide. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

A HISTORIC shopping centre in Ashton-under-Lyne is preparing to open its doors with a Halloween spectacular. Clarence Arcade will bring 13 new businesses, free entertainment and family-friendly activities to the town centre. Marking its opening, the Stamford Street Central building will hold its grand opening on Saturday, October 31, from 10am until 11pm, with a packed programme of Halloween-themed attractions, live music and entertainment. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

Halloween fun and local traders at Saddleworth Marina’s November market A POPULAR waterside market is returning to Saddleworth Marina this weekend, bringing Halloween activities, local traders and family entertainment to the autumn event. The November market takes place on Sunday, November 1, from 11am until 4pm, with a packed programme of attractions for visitors of all ages. Children can take part in a Halloween scavenger hunt and enjoy free glitter tattoos, while birds of prey will make a welcome return to the marina. There will also be a charity tombola and raffle, with tickets for the marina’s upcoming Santa’s Grotto going on sale during the event. Visitors can browse stalls featuring arts, crafts and goods from local traders, accompanied by music throughout the day. Food and refreshments will include a barbecue, toasted marshmallows and seasonal cocktails from Mooring Cellars. The dog-friendly market offers an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy an autumn day out by the water while supporting independent businesses. The event runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, November 1, at Saddleworth Marina.

TAMESIDE COUNCIL BUYS ASHTON'S ARCADES SHOPPING CENTRE IN MULTI-MILLION POUND DEAL Tameside Council has purchased the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, taking another major step towards its plans to regenerate the town centre. The deal follows the council's purchase of the neighbouring Ladysmith Shopping Centre earlier this year, bringing both major retail sites into public ownership. Under previously announced plans, the Arcades would remain a shopping destination, while Ladysmith could be demolished to make way for 306 new homes A £4 million loan from Greater Manchester Combined Authority has reportedly helped fund the latest acquisition. Both shopping centres will continue trading as normal while plans are reviewed. What do you think of the council's plans for Ashton town centre? Read the full story: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

Houses shake and residents are being kept up by lorries crashing over potholes in Mottram, according to one local. John Sullivan says he’s not had a good night’s sleep since July, thanks to a diversion on the A57 link roads project. The scheme, also known as the Mottram bypass, has been designed to reduce congestion and improve journey times and reliability across the Pennines. The A57 is a major connecting road between Manchester and Sheffield, which has been marred by congestion for years. The bypass was a ‘pie in the sky’ idea for more than 60 years, until spades finally went in the ground last year. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

🎭 CORONATION STREET STAR STEVEN ARNOLD HEADS TO GUIDE BRIDGE THEATRE! A familiar face from the cobbles is coming to Audenshaw this Halloween! Steven Arnold, best known for playing Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street, stars in Northern Comedy Theatre's hilarious production of Doing Shakespeare at Guide Bridge Theatre on Saturday, October 31. The comedy follows six actors who turn up to perform Shakespeare, only to discover they've each rehearsed a completely different play! Rather than cancel the show, they decide to carry on regardless, resulting in a chaotic and laugh-out-loud theatrical disaster. With award-winning Northern Comedy Theatre bringing the production to life, audiences can expect plenty of laughs and a very different take on Shakespeare. 📍 Guide Bridge Theatre, Audenshaw Road 📅 Saturday, October 31 Find out more and book tickets: gbtheatre.co.uk/whatson.html AD

AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE firm believes it can bring a way of cutting time in one of the most frustrating processes of landing a job, interviews. For Renari Assessment Ltd has employed a new model when it comes to that most testing of trials. Billed as ‘interviewing as a service,’ it sees a network of recruitment professionals, career advisors and technical specialists work with the firm, which is based at Ashton Old Baths. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

🎃 HALLOWEEN MARKET COMING TO ASHTON THIS FRIDAY! Ashton Market is getting a spooky makeover as Independent Street brings its Halloween Market to the town centre! Taking place on Friday, October 30, the event will feature a range of independent traders offering arts, crafts, food, drinks and Halloween-themed goodies. It’s a great opportunity to browse something a little different, pick up some unique gifts and support local businesses during half-term. 📍 Ashton Market, Ashton-under-Lyne 📅 Friday, October 30 ⏰ 12 noon–6pm Head down, soak up the Halloween atmosphere and support independent traders! AD

COUPLES looking for something a little different for their wedding day will soon have a new option in Stalybridge. For alternative bridal boutique Coven & Court officially opened at the town’s Copley Mill on Saturday, October 24. And it will bring a selection of non-traditional bridalwear, gothic-inspired designs and dark romance styling to the town. The boutique has been created by founder Pam Smith to cater for what she believes is a growing demand for wedding fashion outside the traditional white dress. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

VENUES from Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge were among those attending a live entertainment showcase at Smokies Park Hotel in Oldham. Waterloo and Taunton Conservative Club in Ashton-under-Lyne, Judges Bar and Tipsy’s Wine Bar in Stalybridge were represented at the event, which brought together venues from across Greater Manchester. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

🎃 HALF-TERM FUN AT TAMESIDE LIBRARIES! Looking for something to keep the children entertained this October half-term? Tameside Libraries has a packed programme of activities taking place across the borough from Monday, October 26 to Saturday, October 31. There’s plenty to enjoy, including spooky haunted house crafts, Minecraft challenges, digital animation, robotics, augmented reality colouring and music activities. Families can also enjoy Goosebumps and Room on the Broom screenings, plus a pop-up library in Cedar Park, Ashton. Activities are taking place in Ashton, Hyde, Denton, Mossley and Stalybridge, with sessions available for different age groups. Some activities require advance booking, so check the programme before heading along. Find out more and book: tamesidelibraries.eventbrite… A great way to keep little ones busy this half-term!

A COMMUNITY event in Stalybridge has brought together local residents aged 50 and over with organisations offering support, activities and opportunities on their doorstep. The ‘What’s On Your Doorstep?’ event was held at Stalybridge Civic Hall as part of this year’s International Day of Older People celebrations. Organised by Jigsaw Support with support from Tameside Council, the afternoon gave residents the chance to meet local organisations, find out what is available in their communities and enjoy some social time. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

CLOCKS GO BACK TONIGHT ⏰ A reminder that the clocks go back one hour tonight, with 2am becoming 1am on Sunday, October 25. Remember to turn any manual clocks back before bed — and enjoy an extra hour’s sleep!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: MOSSLEY FARMERS' MARKET MOVES INDOORS THIS SUNDAY! Mossley Farmers' Market is changing location for this weekend's event due to the forecast of strong winds and heavy rain. The popular market will take place at George Lawton Hall on Sunday, October 25, rather than its usual outdoor location. The good news is that it's business as usual, with all the regular traders attending and plenty of local produce, food, crafts and gifts to browse. 📍 George Lawton Hall, Mossley ⏰ 10am–2.30pm A great opportunity to support local independent traders while staying warm and dry! Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

STEAMPUNK TAKES OVER PORTLAND BASIN MUSEUM! There was a touch of Victorian eccentricity in Ashton-under-Lyne today as Portland Basin Museum welcomed visitors for its popular Steampunk event. The museum was transformed into a world of imaginative costumes, elaborate accessories and retro-futuristic creations, with enthusiasts embracing the unique style of Steampunk. Visitors also had the chance to browse stalls and enjoy performances from Tangled Dance Company, who brought their Cogs of Time show to the event. Organised by local Steampunk enthusiasts, the free event offered something a little different for families and visitors of all ages.

STALYBRIDGE TOWN CENTRE PREPARES TO REMEMBER Poppies are now proudly on display across Stalybridge town centre as preparations get underway for this year’s Remembrance commemorations. Councillors and local volunteers have been out in force, spending time decorating trees and the area around the town’s war memorial. Their efforts have brought a striking splash of red to the town centre, creating a poignant display ahead of Remembrance Sunday. A big thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help. The town is looking fantastic and ready to honour those who served and sacrificed their lives. Lest we forget.

A HYDE firm is attempting to celebrate its 50th year by raising £50,000 for charity. Fire protection and facilities management group Besseges has reached its half century after being formed in September 1976. And to celebrate the occasion, it has launched a year-long fundraising initiative, Fifty in Fifty. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

THE ORGANISER of Stalybridge’s Vintage and Vinyl Fair is offering free entry to everyone called Julie after a social media backlash. Michelle Barrett, founder of So Retro Events, wrote a tongue-in-cheek post poking fun at people who claim they never know about her activities, which take place at the Victoria Market building. The Vintage and Vinyl Fair takes place at Stalybridge Civic Hall on Sunday, October 25, bringing together traders selling vintage clothing, homeware, furniture, jewellery, art, glassware and vinyl records. Read more: tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/…

🎆 MOSSLEY AFC FIREWORKS NIGHT IS BACK! One of the most spectacular evenings in the Mossley calendar returns next weekend! Mossley AFC is getting ready to light up the skies above Seel Park with its annual fireworks display on Sunday, November 1. A fantastic evening for the whole family, with tickets starting from just £3. 📍 Premier Kia Seel Park, Mossley 📅 Sunday, November 1, 2026 ⏰ Gates open at 4pm | Fireworks at 6.30pm Ticket prices: * Family tickets: £10–£15 * Adults: £7 * Ages 12–17: £5 * Accompanied under-12s: £3 Who’s heading along for a spectacular evening? AD