Ashton Market Hall will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of music, creativity and community spirit as Love in the Market returns on Saturday 14 February 2026.
Running from 10:30am to 3:30pm, the free one‑day event promises live performances, family‑friendly theatre, hands‑on workshops and a full showcase of talent from Tameside’s emerging young creatives.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Love in the Market has been created and delivered by students from Tameside College participating in Tameside New Creatives, a professional development programme led by cultural organisation Curated Place. Over several months, the students have worked with professional artists and mentors to design, programme and produce the event from the ground up, gaining real‑world creative industry experience in the process.
A day of live performance and creative activity
This year’s programme brings an exciting mix of music, theatre and making activities to the historic market hall.
Live music comes from two standout acts. Indie‑folk trio Good Habits, who have performed internationally and received acclaim across major festivals including Glastonbury and WOMAD, will headline the day. Returning favourites VIP will also take to the stage, bringing a lively mix of pop, funk and rock to keep audiences entertained throughout the afternoon.
Families can enjoy From the River’s Mouth, a 20‑minute puppetry performance by The League of Curiosity. Combining playful storytelling and visual theatre, the show is designed for children aged 5–10 and offers an accessible introduction to imaginative performance.
Creative hands‑on activity is at the heart of the event, with free drop‑in workshops running throughout the day. Visitors can take part in Valentine’s card‑making, paper flower crafting, decorative making and screen‑printing, with guidance from local artists, illustrators and creative facilitators.
Supporting Tameside’s next generation of creatives
Love in the Market forms the culmination of several months of work through Tameside New Creatives, a programme supported by Tameside Council and the UK Government’s Flexible Local Authority Grant (FLAG). The initiative aims to open up pathways into the creative industries for young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities.
By placing students in real production roles, from budgeting and artist liaison to marketing and event design, the programme offers a practical, hands‑on introduction to creative work and builds skills that support future careers.
One participating student reflected on the experience: “Being part of Love in the Market has given us real experience of what working in the creative industries is really like. We’ve worked on everything from marketing and budgeting to programming and collaborating with professional artists. Bringing something we’ve created to life in our own town is incredibly rewarding.”
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council executive member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, praised the students’ achievements: “Love in the Market showcases the incredible talent and imagination of our young people. The event brings fresh creative energy into Ashton Market Hall, and I’d encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a wonderful day of activity for all ages.”
Andy Brydon, Director of Curated Place, added: “The students have worked with real budgets, real deadlines and real creative collaborators to turn their ideas into reality. They’ve demonstrated what becomes possible when young people are given the support, agency and belief they need to shape their own cultural landscape.”
Event Information
Date: Saturday 14 February 2026
Time: 10:30am–3:30pm
Location: Ashton Market Hall, Ashton‑under‑Lyne
Cost: Free, drop‑in
With live entertainment, creative workshops and activities for all ages, Love in the Market 2026 offers a vibrant, community‑focused way to celebrate creativity in the heart of Ashton. Everyone is welcome to attend.
