Greater Manchester town to host its first-ever street art festival this weekend

A host of the UK’s top street artists are descending on Ashton-under-Lyne this weekend for the town’s first ever street art festival.

The Ashton Paint Jam on Saturday (May 18) will give visitors a front row seat to witness the creation of street art in what’s promised to be a ‘lively celebration of art, culture, and community’.

Organised by Art Battle MCR and renowned street artist Jay Sharples, the free event will see more than twenty of the UK's top street artists transform the hoardings outside the town hall into a dynamic outdoor art gallery.

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Established in 2013, Art Battle MCR’s art events have been building a loyal following across Manchester.

Jay said: “We are thrilled to bring the Ashton Paint Jam to life and showcase the incredible talent of street artists from across the UK”.

On the day there will also be live music from local DJs, skateboarding and breakdancing performances and kids’ doodle walls and spray-painting sessions. Street food by independent businesses will also be on offer.

Teasing the event on social media, an Instagram post by Art Battle MCR last week said: “Something’s brewing in Ashton…it’s about to get Under-Lined. Stay tuned.”

In a later post Art Battle MCR revealed the line-up of the artists taking part in the festival. They include Becky Mcgillivray and Marcus Method.

On the event, Cllr Vimal Choksi, Executive Member (Towns and Communities) said: "This event has been made possible with the support of UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Communities (UKSPF) funding, which aims to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our town centre and events like this really showcase Ashton’s creative community and love of creative talent.”

The ‘Ashton Paint Jam’ is free to enter and will run from 10.30am to 5pm. Free parking is available at Union Street Car Park in Ashton Under Lyne (OL6 6JA).

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