Last updated: 11 November 2024
Find your holiday happiness in Ashton in Makerfield with our event guide. Whether you're deeply rooted in Ashton in Makerfield or just passing through, this guide ensures unforgettable holidays.
Popular Events: One highlight this season is the Walking Tour of Atherton Cemetery, where you can explore the fascinating history and serene beauty of the local resting place. Adding to the festivities, the Remake, Reuse, Replay event encourages creativity and sustainability through fun craft sessions. And the New Years Eve with The Bentley is something you definitely don't want to miss as it rings in the new year with style and entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Ashton in Makerfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Standish Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Features local crafts and seasonal treats in a community-centered market environment.
- Description
- The Standish Christmas Market features a variety of local artisans and food vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore festive stalls showcasing handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and traditional holiday decorations. The market atmosphere is complemented by live entertainment and seasonal music, creating a warm and inviting setting for community gathering.
- Where
- Standish | More Info : Standish Christmas Market
Ashton in Makerfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wigan’s Wonderful Women Weavers
- What to Expect
- Insight into Wigan's textile history through a local weaver's perspective.
- Description
- Join Yvonne Eckersley for a fascinating talk about Wigan's textile manufacturing history, highlighting the contributions of women weavers who played a crucial role in the region's industrial heritage.
- Where
- Wigan | More Info : Wigan’s Wonderful Women Weavers
Ashton in Makerfield Other Holiday Activities
New Years Eve with The Bentley
- What to Expect
- Live music, food, and fireworks in a picturesque setting.
- Description
- Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Village Green with live music, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks show in a beautiful setting.
- Where
- Ashton-in-Makerfield | More Info : New Years Eve with The Bentley
Walking Tour of Atherton Cemetery
- What to Expect
- Guided fungi identification tour in a historic cemetery.
- Description
- Join wildlife enthusiast Jeff Gorse on a 2-hour guided walk through Atherton Cemetery, where he will point out and describe various species of fungi. This event is not a foraging walk, and all proceeds will support the Atherton Cemetery Chapels Fund.
- Where
- Atherton | More Info : Walking Tour of Atherton Cemetery
Remake, Reuse, Replay
- What to Expect
- Collaborative game development from existing games.
- Description
- Join the Remake, Reuse, Replay game jam challenge at Wigan Library, where participants work in teams with designers to create exciting new games from existing ones. This event is perfect for those aged 16 and above, and younger team members are welcome to participate too. Participants under 8 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Where
- Wigan | More Info : Remake, Reuse, Replay
Maker’s Session – Clay Casting Workshop
- What to Expect
- Hands-on clay casting and mould making techniques with experienced UK sculptors.
- Description
- Learn the techniques of clay casting and mould making in this hands-on workshop, where you can create your own sculptures alongside experienced UK sculptors.
- Where
- Wigan | More Info : Maker’s Session – Clay Casting Workshop
Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
- What to Expect
- Showcasing diverse contemporary drawings by renowned artists.
- Description
- The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize is a prestigious exhibition showcasing a wealth of contemporary drawings by UK and international artists, featuring works by first prize winner Jeanette Barnes and other notable artists.
- Where
- The Turnpike Gallery | More Info : Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
LibraryFest
- What to Expect
- Celebration of libraries with diverse author talks, performances, and workshops.
- Description
- The Festival of Libraries 2024 is a county-wide celebration in Greater Manchester, featuring 133 libraries, with a diverse program of author talks, performances, exhibitions, and workshops, all free to attend. It showcases the incredible contribution libraries make to communities, providing access to books, services, learning, and creativity.
- Where
- Leigh | More Info : LibraryFest
Crime Fiction Writers Panel
- What to Expect
- Interactive discussion with renowned crime fiction authors.
- Description
- Join Leigh Library for a Crime Fiction Writers Panel featuring Caroline England, Paul Finch, Antony Johnston, and Norman Wells. Explore genres like cosy crime, psychological crime, and procedural crime in an engaging discussion. Audience Q&A and the opportunity to purchase signed books are included. A fish and chip supper is also part of the ticket price.
- Where
- Leigh | More Info : Crime Fiction Writers Panel
SEND-friendly environment day
- What to Expect
- Behind-the-scenes tour and creative Christmas card making.
- Description
- Join us for a SEND-friendly Family Creative Lab where families can explore and create together in a safe and welcoming environment. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Archives and get creative making your own Christmas cards inspired by local history.
- Where
- Leigh Town Hall | More Info : SEND-friendly environment day