Market Avenue to come alive with gaming, music and film events this weekend

Ashton-under-Lyne is set for a buzzing weekend of family fun, live entertainment, and cinematic adventure thanks to Make Ashton Great Again.

The ever-popular Gamesmania is back this Saturday, 27th September, from 11am to 5pm at 2–4 Market Avenue (the old Sorrento’s Café/Coffee Pot).

For just £3 per person, visitors can enjoy unlimited play on arcade machines and consoles, making it a perfect family-friendly day out. Food and drink will also be available, with no need to book – just pay on the door.

The venue will then reopen from 6pm until late for an adults-only session, also priced at £3 entry.

The Gamesmania arcade is open every Saturday for people to enjoy everything from retro to modern video and arcade games.

Next door at 9–11 Market Avenue, the brand-new pop-up bar Travelling Man will be open from 12pm onwards. Following its successful launch night, the bar promises a chilled, cosy atmosphere, complete with a licensed bar and live music throughout the day. Entry is free, and local performers are encouraged to get in touch if they’d like to play.

Follow Travelling Man updates on Facebook and Instagram (@travellingman.pop.up.bar).

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. On Saturday 27th September, Savage Screenings launches at 8 Market Avenue – a brand-new small cinema and arts space.

To kick things off, fantasy fans can gather for an epic Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Marathon. All three films will be shown on a giant 5-metre screen with booming sound across a full day of adventure.

• 12:00pm - The Fellowship of the Ring - 228 mins
• 15:30pm -The Two Towers - 235 mins
• 19:00pm - The Return of the King -263 mins

Tickets are £5 per screening, available online or on the door (cash or card). Doors open at 11:30am with space for 50 seats. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Organisers also teased future events, calling for local independent filmmakers to get in touch ahead of a special showcase planned for 11th October.

With retro gaming, live music, and the launch of a unique cinema space, Market Avenue is fast becoming Ashton’s new cultural hotspot. Whether you’re a gamer, music lover, or film fan, there’s something for everyone in Ashton-under-Lyne this September.