Latest Events
*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.
Finance & General Services Committee on Tuesday 11th November 2025, Town Hall, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX, commencing at 6:00pm.
The above meeting is open to the public to attend.
Agenda and papers will be available below no less than 3 working days before the meeting.
*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 Christmas Activities at the Masonic Hall*
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.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a wonderful selection of free activities for all the family! Drop in anytime between 3pm and 5pm to enjoy crafts, treats, and festive fun before the lantern parade begins at approximately 5.15pm.
Activities & Attractions
Ashington Asda - Collect your free raffle ticket for Asda’s Christmas Hamper from the ladies on the RVS stand, also pick up a Children’s Christmas activity booklet
Ashington Co-op - Warm up with complimentary non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. Create Christmas decorations
Ashington Sea Cadets -
Ashington Swimming Club - Decorate delicious biscuits
Ashington Town Football Club - Create your own Christmas cards
Ashington Veterans & Elders Institute - Collect mini hoglet kits near our story corner. Meet author Chris Elliot promoting her latest book featuring the further adventures of Hennie Hedgehog
Central Northumberland Family Hubs -
Climate Action Wansbeck -
ESCAPE Family Support - make your very own Angel for your Christmas tree to take away
Friends of Ashington Community Woods -
Full Circle Food Project -
Mortal Fools -
Reiverdale Scout Group - Make lanterns for the Christmas Light Switch-On lantern parade (starting approximately 5.15pm)
Repurposful CIC - Crafty Christmas goody bits for you to take away and make your own decorations
RVS Social Care - Browse and purchase beautiful, knitted toys to raise vital funds for the RVS. Choose from a selection of jigsaws - free or available for a small donation
The Sewing Machine Guy -
Wansbeck Community Links - Make Christmas candle holders (LED candles included!) Enjoy other festive Christmas crafts
William Purvis - Visit the memorial tree and write a Christmas remembrance message on a special tag. Help yourself to sweet treats
Wansbeck Valley Foodbank -
All activities are free unless otherwise stated. Perfect for families and visitors of all ages!
*Live Entertainment*
Join us for an enchanting evening of live entertainment hosted by the ever-popular Paul Skerritt, a firm favourite at Christmas light switch-ons, who will be keeping spirits bright from 4pm to 7pm. The festivities kick off with talented local singer Clare Drysdale from Ashington, followed by the fabulous Helix Arts, showcasing their wonderful autistic performers. The YMCA Performers from the Sound Futures programme will then take to the stage before the magical John Street Lantern Parade sets off from outside the Masonic Hall at 5:15pm, winding its way to the main stage area. As the lanterns arrive, Rev Sam and Rev Chris will give a special switch-on blessing, before Paul leads everyone in a joyful community sing-along. Watch out for Pudsey Bear mingling amongst the crowd to crown the best dressed elf and fairy, before the star of the show switches on the Christmas lights at approximately 6.15pm. The celebration continues with more festive entertainment until 7pm, making this a truly memorable start to the holiday season.
*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
Ashington Christmas Craft Market with Festive Magic and Free Family Fun
Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce a Christmas Craft Market will be held on Friday, 14th November, bringing festive cheer to Station Road with a special “Twelve Days of Christmas” theme.
Running from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, the market promises a magical day of seasonal shopping, free family activities, and community celebration for residents of all ages.
A Celebration Made Possible Through Community Investment
This year’s Christmas celebrations have been made possible through additional funding received via the Ashington Cultural Events Grant Scheme from Northumberland County Council, which has partially funded the Christmas Light Switch-On and completely funded the Christmas Market. This investment demonstrates both Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council’s commitment to creating memorable community experiences for residents of all ages.
Unique Gifts and Festive Shopping
Sharon Parmley, Engagement and Events Officer at Ashington Town Council, successfully secured funding to work in partnership with Anita Allen and Mel Jackson of Money Tree Crafters and Traders to deliver the Christmas Craft Market. The event will showcase a wide variety of craft stalls, each beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. Visitors will discover an array of unique, handcrafted gifts at very affordable prices – from charming stocking fillers to special items you won’t find on the high street.
Free Family Activities
Families can enjoy a host of delightful Christmas activities throughout the day, all completely free of charge:
The Twelve Days of Christmas Treasure Hunt – Search the shop windows and craft stalls along Station Road to find all twelve Christmas characters. Note which shop each character is in on your Treasure Hunt Form, then return your completed sheet to Mrs Claus to receive a festive selection box as a reward.
Write a Letter to Santa – Children can write and post their letters in our special Santa Mailbox.
Decorate a Gingerbread Man – Create and take home your delicious gingerbread creation. Full allergy information will be provided.
Face Painting – Get into the Christmas spirit with festive face designs!
Reindeer Food – Join Ashington Town Council and make some Reindeer Food for Christmas Eve, while dropping off your donations to Wansbeck Valley Foodbank.
Supporting the Local Community
The event will also feature a charity raffle supporting Wansbeck Valley Foodbank. All participating crafters and shops will be visited by the event team to purchase an item for the raffle. Tickets will be available at £1 per strip, with all proceeds donated directly to the food bank. The raffle draw will take place during the event.
Full Council on Tuesday 25th November 2025, Town Hall, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX, commencing at 6:00pm.
The above meeting is open to the public to attend.
Agenda and papers will be available below no less than 3 working days before the meeting.
