A much-loved feature of the festive season is coming to Ashton. On Saturday, December 4, The Snowman™ will be in the town centre, and what’s more he’ll be bringing his faithful friend The Snowdog with him.
The Snowman™ has been a Christmas classic since 1982 when Channel 4 commissioned an Oscar-nominated animated television film based on Raymond Briggs’s 1978 picture book. The Snowdog followed 30 years later.
Families and shoppers will be able to experience the magic of these two popular characters on the market ground where they will be spreading joy and goodwill by meeting and greeting people at intervals from 11am.
Plus, there will be lots more fun throughout the day as Ashton celebrates Small Business Saturday encouraging shoppers to support independent businesses in the town centre.
Cllr Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “Watching ‘The Snowman™’ has become as much a part of Christmas entertainment for children as a pantomime or a visit to see Santa.
“I’m sure the two characters will prove very popular and parents can take advantage of their time in Ashton town centre to do some Christmas shopping.”
Cllr Bill Fairfoull, assistant chair of Ashton Town Team, added: “Ashton town centre has a lot to offer at any time of year but especially at Christmas.
“The Snowman and The Snowdog should attract lots of people who may not have visited previously, but I’m sure they’ll be back when they’ve seen the market and surrounding shops, and the array of items on sale.”
The appearance of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog has been funded through the Welcome Back Fund which aims to attract people back into town centres following the covid-19 pandemic. The event is supported by Tameside Markets and Ashton Town Team.
