Free Swimming Sessions and Halloween Trail to Keep Children Entertained During School Break
Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce a fantastic programme of free activities for families during the October half term holiday, ensuring children and parents have plenty to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Free Swimming Sessions
The Town Council is offering complimentary swimming sessions at Ashington leisure centre, providing families with a healthy and fun activity during the school break. The free swim sessions will take place on:
• Wednesday, 29th October at 1:00 PM
• Saturday, 1st November at 1:00 PM
These sessions are perfect for families looking for an active way to spend time together during the holidays. No booking is required – simply turn up and enjoy! (up to 80 places available, on a first come, first served basis)
Halloween Trail Adventure
Adding to the half term excitement, Ashington’s High Street will come alive with a special Halloween Trail running from Monday, 27th October to Friday, 31st October that promises treats and thrills for children of all ages. This community-wide initiative sees many local shops participating in creating a memorable Halloween experience for young visitors.
Children can collect trail cards from participating shops along the High Street. Visit each participating shop to get your card stamped and pick up a treat.
The Halloween Trail encourages families to explore Ashington’s vibrant High Street while supporting local businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spooky season in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Community Spirit
“We’re thrilled to offer these free activities during October half term,” said Cllr Caroline Ball, Chair of the Youth Advisory Committee for Ashington Town Council. “Both the free swimming sessions and Halloween Trail demonstrate our commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable activities for all families in our community. We want to ensure every child has the opportunity to make wonderful memories during their school break.”
The Halloween Trail particularly showcases the strong partnership between the Town Council and local businesses, creating a collaborative effort that benefits both families and the local economy.
Get Involved
Full details of both activities, including participating shops for the Halloween Trail, are available on the Ashington Town Council events page. Families are encouraged to take advantage of both offerings to make the most of the October half term break.
For more information about these activities and other Town Council events, visit www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or contact Ashington Town Council on 01670 624521
Community Invited to Join Moving Tribute on Sunday 9th November 2025
Ashington Town Council, in partnership with the Royal British Legion Ashington Branch, invites the entire community to join together for Remembrance Sunday on Sunday, 9th November 2025, as the town pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.
Remembrance Parade
The commemorative events will begin with a traditional parade that will assemble on Station Road (one-way section outside New Look) at 10:10 AM, with the parade moving off promptly at 10:30 AM. The parade will provide an opportunity for veterans, serving personnel, local organisations, and community members to march together in remembrance of the fallen.
All local groups, veterans, cadets, and community members are encouraged to participate in this moving tribute. The parade represents the unity of the Ashington community in honouring those who served and continue to serve our nation.
Memorial Service
Following the parade, a solemn Remembrance Service will take place at Ashington Memorial Garden at 10:45 AM. This meaningful service will be conducted by Ashington Churches Together.
The service will include traditional elements of remembrance, providing a moment for quiet reflection and paying respects to all those who have given their lives in conflicts past and present. The Memorial Garden provides a fitting and peaceful setting for this important annual commemoration.
Community Participation
“Remembrance Sunday is one of the most significant events in our community calendar,” said Cllr Mark Purvis, Business Chair of Ashington Town Council. “It provides an opportunity for our entire town to come together and show our gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom. We encourage everyone to join us for this important day of remembrance.”
The Royal British Legion continues to play a vital role in organising and supporting Remembrance events across the country, ensuring that the memory of our fallen heroes is preserved and honoured year after year.
Residents are encouraged to line the parade route to show their support and respect, creating a meaningful display of community solidarity on this most solemn of occasions.
Contact Information
For specific inquiries regarding parade participation, please contact Carla Thompson at carla.thompson@northumberland.gov.uk.
For all other queries regarding Ashington Remembrance Sunday, please contact Ashington Town Council by visiting www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or calling 01670 624521.
Community Celebration Features Free Activities, Live Music, and Enchanting Fairies and Elves Themed Parade
Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce the return of the much-anticipated Christmas Light Switch-On and Lantern Parade, promising a truly magical start to the festive season for the whole community.
Event Details
The spectacular celebration will take place on Thursday, 13th November 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM along Station Road (one-way section) and at the Masonic Hall on John Street.
As well as funding from Ashington Town Council’s events budget, this year’s activities are part of Northumberland County Council’s Animating Ashington Autumn/Winter Festival – a programme of events across the town being funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North East Combined Authority, with the North East Combined Authority as lead authority.
Free Family Activities
From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, families can enjoy completely free Christmas activities at the Masonic Hall, including hands-on lantern making workshops. These creative sessions will help children prepare for the evening’s magical Fairies & Elves Themed lantern parade while getting into the festive spirit. There is a prize for the best dressed elf and fairy and all children taking part in the Parade will receive a certificate and memento of the event.
Live Entertainment
The afternoon and evening will be filled with live music and heartwarming community carol singing featuring the renowned Ashington & District Male Voice Choir. Their beautiful harmonies will create the perfect festive atmosphere as the community gathers to celebrate.
Fairies and Elves Themed Lantern Parade
The highlight of the evening will be the enchanting Fairies and Elves themed lantern parade. Children are encouraged to dress as fairies and elves, with prizes awarded for the best dressed participants in each category. Every child taking part will receive a special certificate and memento to commemorate this magical evening.
The Festivities Continue
The celebration doesn’t end with Thursday’s light switch-on! Families are encouraged not to miss Friday 14th November’s 12 Days of Christmas Themed Market, running from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring a very special guest appearance by Mrs Claus herself. The Market is being organised by Money Tree Crafters and Traders.
Building Community Spirit
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this magical celebration to Ashington,” said Cllr Mark Purvis, Business Chair of Ashington Town Council. “The Christmas Light Switch-On and Lantern Parade represents the very best of our community spirit.
From the free activities for families to the beautiful performances by our local choir, this event showcases what makes Ashington such a special place to live.”
The event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to come together and officially welcome the Christmas season with joy, creativity, and community pride.
Get Involved
All activities are free of charge, and families are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of the lantern-making workshops and festive activities.
For more information, visit www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or contact Ashington Town Council at 01670 624521
