This year’s Ashton Sci-Fi Day is looking to be one of the best organised by Hyde Fundraisers. The group of volunteers who create their own sci-fi and superhero characters to raise funds for charity will be all hands-on deck for the event on July 6^th. Once again, they are working with Tameside Markets, Ladysmith Shopping Centre and Arcades Shopping Centre on the event scheduled to run 11am until 3pm. In addition, Ashton Town Team, supported by the UKSPF Creative Communities grant, will be hosting artist Paul Pickford in the town as part of the event. Paul will be showing children how to draw some of their favourite sci-fi and superhero characters.

Another special attraction will be a visit from some of Doctor Who puppets from Avenue Who created by the talented JJ LeHay.

There will also be a fancy dress competition open to all ages taking place on the first floor of Arcades Shopping Centre at 12.30 with prizes sponsored by Starcutouts.com and Character Options Toys.

Special displays will be set up in Ladysmith and Arcades as part of the event which will also see a variety of characters around the town centre including Captain America, Spiderman, Predator, The Mandalorian and many others.

The group have also extended an invitation to a special guest to join them this year – Doctor Who Producer Phil Collinson. Previously Hyde Fundraisers have worked with Phil to supply Daleks for the Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin written by Dr Who’s Russell T Davies.  Phil has previously produced the Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant series before returning for the 60^th anniversary last year and the new series starring Nucuti Gatwa. He’s also produced Coronation Street, Gentleman Jack and Good Omens amongst his other credits.

Hyde Fundraisers SP Bowling said: “We love the reaction we get at the Ashton Sci- Fi events and the children really enjoy seeing characters brought to life. We are again grateful to Tameside Markets, Ladysmith and the Arcades for their support. At the event we shall be making some presentations to the LEAP Centre and Our Kids Eyes to help them with the incredible work they do in Tameside along with the George House Trust.. Thank you to Paul Pickford and JJ LeHay for also joining in with the event this year.”