One of the most popular new events in Greater Manchester's food and drink scene could be set to make a comeback in the new year.
Thousands hit the streets of Stalybridge for the town's monthly Street Feast events, which kicked off back in July.
With a huge range of delicious street food and live entertainment, crowds lined the Tameside town's Armentieres Square and local businesses reported a boost on the back of the events.
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Last Friday's Stalybridge Street Feast was the final one to be held as part of a pilot run by organisers Tameside Council and The Market Co, which also runs Ashton's monthly artisan market.
But Tameside Council says the pilot proved so popular it is now considering relaunching the monthly event next spring as a permanent feature.
Coun Eleanor Wills, who came up with the idea of monthly food event in Stalybridge, said: “I always expected Street Feast to be a success but I was staggered by just how popular it proved to be. The crowds just carried on coming.
“I felt there was an appetite for a quality food event on this side of Manchester and we definitely satisfied it with Street Feast. People couldn’t get enough of the dishes and drinks.
“It’s my belief that the location had a lot to do with the success too. Armentieres Square, on the banks of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and in the heart of historic Stalybridge, is the perfect location for a relaxed family evening.”
Attendance at the Stalybridge Street Feast grew every month, as food on offer ranged from pizza and paella, to ice cream and pancakes, and Indian and Malaysian dishes.
Beer and wine were also served, while businesses stayed open into the evening as footfall increased in the town.
Children also enjoyed crafts and entertainment, while crowds saw live performances from musicians and artists.
Coun Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for markets, added: “Street Feast has been a remarkable success and I would like to thank all the people who worked hard to make it so popular and put Stalybridge on Greater Manchester’s food and drink map.
“The break in January and February presents us with the perfect opportunity to take stock of what’s happened and consider how we can take the event forward. The crowds alone tell us that people enjoyed it and would like it to continue.”
Back in August, diners told the Manchester Evening News that the Stalybridge Street Feast was a welcome addition to the town's social calendar.
Mark McManus said: "I think it's really good for the community, we don't have much like this in Stalybridge.
"The town centre had died a death over the years so I think this is really good."
Katie Frodsham said: "It's definitely a good thing for Stalybridge. The more help Stalybridge can get, the better."
Zoe Shorrock added: "People think they don't really get much in Stalybridge, so it's nice for the small businesses to have something like this."
