The first ever Foodie Friday in Stalybridge has been hailed a great success – and the next one promises to be even better.
Hundreds turned out in Armentieres Square on Friday evening (23 July) – including local councillors and MPs Jonathan Reynolds and Andrew Gwynne.
There was a wide range of food and drink to suit all tastes - including pizza, paella, ice-cream, pancakes, beer and wine - as well as live entertainment and even the welcome bonus of some decent weather too!
Organised by Tameside Council’s markets service in partnership with artisan market organisers The Market Co, the continental-style street market event will take place on the second Friday of every month from 5pm to 9pm until at least December this year.
People were queuing at the various stalls even before the start time as the success of the evening spilled out beyond the picturesque canalside setting.
Nearby shops which had stayed open - including hairdressers - also reported a welcome increase in trade from visitors flocking to the event.
There’s been lots of positive reaction on social media to the debut of Foodie Friday, and organisers plan to tweak some elements ahead of its return on 13 August in a bid to improve the experience for those attending.
“This is the biggest thank you to everyone who visited Stalybridge Foodie Friday,” they said in a statement.
“We were blown away by your support, your good humour (despite the ridiculous queues), your appreciation and the tremendous community spirit that was so visible.
“We have listened to the feedback and promise that next time we will be much better prepared."
Check out our photo album and see if you can spot yourself! Images by James Sullivan
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (1)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (2)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (3)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (4)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (5)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (6)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (7)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (8)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (9)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (10)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (11)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (12)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (13)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (14)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (15)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (16)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (17)
- Stalybridge Foodie Friday 230721 (18)
They went on: “We plan to close the road much earlier (please note the buses will be diverted) which will allow us to position the streetfood traders in the road itself to provide much more space for any queues and for people to relax with much more room to manoeuvre, especially for disabled access and pushchairs.
“We will increase the number of streetfood vendors, providing even more delicious choices, and all vendors will have extra staff to help ease the demand.
“There will be far better provision for drinks, with an extended main bar and an additional one, as well as coffee, tea and soft drinks.
“The seating area will flow to both sides of the canal and we will bring in additional bins so you are able to dispose of your own rubbish rather than leaving it on the tables or floor for us to clear away (this will help us a lot!)
“We will hire in additional portaloos, get the street lights working and make this the very best Foodie Friday ever! Here’s to the next one, thank you.”
Stalybridge MP Jonathan Reynolds commented: “What a huge success! Great to see so many of you turn out to enjoy the delicious offerings and see Staly brought to life again. Huge well done to the Stalybridge councillors for putting this on.”
Tameside Council leader Councillor Brenda Warrington, who was in attendance, said: “A big well done to Tameside Council and Councillor Eleanor Wills on a successful first Foodie Friday in Stalybridge.
“The weather was great, the atmosphere brilliant, and the town was buzzing. We are determined to create a different offer and bring life back, to all the borough’s town centres. Foodie Friday fits so well in Stalybridge. Here’s to its successful future.”
Read more from the Tameside Reporter
Click here for more of the latest news
Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online
Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper
GREATER MANCHESTER: Andy Burnham wins third term
One injured after gas explosion in Dukinfield
WATCH: Shocking hit and run outside Ashton polling station
ELECTION: Indy candidate who clinched long-held Labour seat says he will 'shake up the status quo'
