This year’s Ashton Sci-Fi Day, organised by Hyde Fundraisers, featured a guest appearance from 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 60th anniversary last year and the new series starring Ncuti Gatwa. He’s also produced Coronation Street, Gentleman Jack and Good Omens amongst his other credits. He spent time chatting with fans, visiting Ashton Library, signing autographs and judging the fancy dress competition. He said “ It was brilliant to meet the volunteer team and see how embedded Hyde Fundraisers are in the community. I think what the group has done is harnessed the passion and devotion of fans and just do good with it. Raising money and giving funds to the underprivildged is amazing to harness the enthusiasm in that way.”

Hyde Fundraisers worked with Tameside Markets, Ladysmith Shopping Centre and Arcades Shopping Centre on the event with Ashton Town Team, supported by the UKSPF Creative Communities grant.

Artist Paul Pickford was in the Market Hall with K-9 as part of the event showing children how to draw some of their favourite sci-fi and superhero favourites.

There was a fancy dress competition on the first floor of Arcades Shopping Centre at with prizes sponsored by Starcutouts.com and Character Options Toys.

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

Elliot Davey from Droylsden presented Producer Phill Collinson with a framd piece of his digital Dr Who art along with a certificate of appreciation from Hyde Fundraisers for his support. Phil also met Ian and Lucy Ravey of Star Cutouts in Audenshaw who produce a range of licensed cutouts which include Dr Who.

Ladysmith Shopping Centre hosted a character trail to support Willow Wood Hospice, their nominated charity of the year. The Producer also presented the Willow Wood Shop with a signed David Tennant cutout to support their fundraising.

Wendy & Mandy’s Cafe in Ashton Market Hall sonated drinks to the volunteers at the event to keep the group refreshed.

Hyde Fundraisers SP Bowling said: “Thank you to everyone who supported the Sci Fi Day in Ashton this year. We are again grateful to Tameside Markets, Ladysmith and the Arcades for their sponsorship. At the event we made some cheque presentations to the LEAP Centre, George House Trust and Our Kids Eyes to help them with the incredible work they do. Thank you to Paul Pickford and JJ LeHay for also joining in with the event this year.”