Ladysmith Shopping Centre is proud to be supporting the Ashton-under-Lyne community with our Ask for Ruby initiative, designed to provide free access to essential menstrual products for anyone who needs them.

Whether you are experiencing period poverty or have started your period unexpectedly whilst shopping, we are here to support you. To access the support, simply visit one of the participating stores below and ask for Ruby. A member of staff will provide you with a discreet bag containing essential menstrual products, with no questions asked.

Participating stores include:

💚 Holland & Barrett

💪 International Gym

🧁 Pound Bakery

🎮 CeX

📸 Max Spielmann

🫶 The A World UK

Period poverty affects thousands of people across the UK, and through Ask for Ruby, Ladysmith Shopping Centre is helping to make period products more accessible to the Ashton-Under-Lyne community. Don’t get caught out when you need it most!

To help keep this initiative running for as long as possible, we welcome donations of menstrual products. If you would like to support Ask for Ruby, donations can be dropped off Ladysmith Shopping Centre Management Office.

Every donation we receive will help us to continue providing free period products to those who need them most. Thank you for supporting this initiative.

The post Ask for Ruby at Ladysmith Shopping Centre appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

This camp will give young people the opportunity to work alongside professional artists, musicians and youth workers to create an original live performance for family and friends.

Activities will include:

• Music and Songwriting 
• Drama and Acting 
• Filmmaking and Scriptwriting 
• Animation and Art 
• Rehearsal and Performance Skills

Summer Creative Camp Key Dates

Week 1: Monday 27th July, Tuesday 28th July 

Week 2: Monday 3rd August, Tuesday 4th August, Thursday 6th August 

Week 3: Monday 10th August, Tuesday 11th August, Thursday 13th August

Final performance Day: Friday 14th August.

Sessions will run from 10am to 3pm, with the final day beginning at 1pm, followed by a performance for families and invited guests later in the day.

The Summer Creative Camp is suitable for young people aged 10 to 16 years with different levels of confidence and experience. No previous creative experience is required, this is designed to help young people make friends, build confidence, develop new skills and contribute to a shared creative production.

Free transport is available for young people travelling from Hattersley. The daily pick up point will be Hattersley Hub Car Park at 10am, returning at approximately 3:30pm. Separate arrangements will apply on the final performance day.

Places are limited, so booking is recommended. You can book by contacting:

Prime Active Communities CIC

Email: info@pac-cic.co.uk

Telephone: 07519 987667 

Website: www.pac-cic.co.uk

The post Prime Active Community Free Summer Camp! appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

What a day! Our Ladysmith Summer Spectacular brought plenty of smiles to Ladysmith Shopping Centre in Ashton, with families joining us for a fun-filled day of FREE entertainment during the summer holidays.

From face painting to classic funfair games like Hook a Duck and Tin Can Alley, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors also had the chance to try their hand at circus skills, with our drop-in workshop proving popular with children eager to learn a few new tricks.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the event so special.

We love creating free family events in Ashton-under-Lyne that bring the local community together, and seeing so many happy faces made it all worthwhile.

If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry – we’ve got plenty more events planned throughout the year.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with everything happening at Ladysmith Shopping Centre, and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events, competitions and family fun.

Ladysmith Summer Spectacular Event Terms and Conditions

1. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18
2. This event is free to attend.
3. Ladysmith Shopping Centre reserves the right to refuse entry.
4. Ladysmith Shopping Centre at its absolute discretion reserves the right at any time to cancel or amend events, activities, workshops, alter times, prices and services without notice.
5. If the event is cancelled in its entirety, Ladysmith Shopping Centre will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you as soon as reasonably possible.
6. Dogs and all other pets are not permitted within the Ladysmith Shopping Centre or any events. This is with the exception of Assistant Dogs and some restrictions do apply. 
7. Admission to any event, activity or workshop is at your own risk. Ladysmith Shopping Centre will not be held liable for any loss, injuries or damages or emotional distress sustained at or during or following the event, activity or workshop including damage, theft or losses to property and motor vehicles.
8. Please note that CCTV, film cameras and photographers may be present. By entering Ladysmith Shopping Centre, you consent to filming stills photography and sound recording and its use in distribution (commercial or otherwise) without any payment.
9. If you experience any problems during the event, activity or workshop, please contact a member of Ladysmith Shopping Centre staff, as it may not be possible to resolve issues after the event, activity or workshop.

The post Ladysmith Summer Spectacular appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Plus our top 5 non chocolate easter gifts ideas.

Have you ever tried a slow cooker pudding? Well, if you haven’t, now is the time to try! Here’s a fun, super-easy Mini Egg slow cooker brownie recipe. It’s a bit gooey, a bit brownie, a bit pudding and absolutely perfect with ice cream.

Slow Cooker Mini Egg Chocolate Brownies

A lazy Easter dessert where everything goes in the slow cooker and comes out rich, chocolatey and packed with crunchy Mini Eggs.

Ingredients

• 150g butter
• 150g dark chocolate (or milk if you prefer sweeter)
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g plain flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 bag of Cadbury Cadbury Mini Eggs, roughly crushed
• Pinch of salt

Optional for serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Extra Mini Eggs for the top

Method

1. Melt the chocolate and butter

Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.

2. Mix the batter in a bowl

Stir in the sugar, eggs and vanilla until glossy.

3. Add the dry ingredients

Fold in the flour, cocoa powder and salt until combined.

4. Add the Mini Eggs

Stir in most of the crushed Mini Eggs, saving a handful for the top.

5. Prepare the slow cooker

Line the slow cooker with baking paper or lightly grease it.

6. Cook

Pour in the brownie mixture, sprinkle the remaining Mini Eggs on top and cook on high for 1.5–2 hours.

The edges will be set, but the middle should stay soft and fudgy.

7. Serve

Scoop warm brownie into bowls and top with ice cream.

You can buy all of these ingredients from Heron Foods and Home Bargains, Ladysmith.

Our top 5 present ideas that avoid chocolate

We all know gifting at Easter is a lovely thing to do but sometimes we don’t always want to give chocolate. We have picked 5 of our favourite ideas that you could swap for an Easter egg.

Daise Scent

Perfect for a quick refresh throughout the day, this Daise scent is as practical as it is pretty. The lilac plastic case helps prevent breakages, making it ideal for popping into your bag without a second thought. Plus, the fresh, uplifting fragrance makes it a joy to spritz whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Pick your favourite flower from Boots.

Uno

A classic for a reason, Uno makes the perfect gift for all ages. It’s a brilliant way to bring family and friends together, whether for a quick game or a full-on tournament. And if they already own it, this serves as a fun addition to keep the games going even longer. Find Uno at Home Bargains.

Manuka Honey

Have you ever tried real Manuka honey? While it’s a little more of an investment than your everyday jar, its well-known health and healing benefits make it truly worth it. A thoughtful and slightly luxurious gift, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates natural wellness. A sweet treat, without the refined sugar. Buy your jar from Holland and Barrett.

Cherry Bag Charm

Add a playful pop of colour and personality to a school bag or handbag with this cherry bag charm. We really love the hint of sparkle from the disco ball detail, we know it will catch the light beautifully.

No7 Cosmetics Brush

For beauty lovers, this No7 Pro Artist detailed stroke brush is a real treat. Designed to add precision to makeup application, it offers a super professional finish. Investing in high-quality tools like this can make all the difference, and it’s a little everyday luxury they’ll truly love adding to their collection.

However you’re celebrating Easter, pop along and come and say hello and don’t forget to come to our Bunny Bonanza event that’s happening Tuesday, 31st March 2026, 11am – 3pm.

Expect face painting, a bunny ear workshop, and an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet!

Fancy a free Easter Egg? Be one of the first 100 people to attend and receive your sweet treat from us.

The post Quick & dreamy easter chocolate pudding appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Ladysmith Shopping Centre for our Bunny Bonanza this Easter!

On Tuesday 31st March, we welcomed families for a fun-filled day of crafts, characters and plenty of Easter fun – and it was lovely to see so many of you getting involved.

Throughout the day, you enjoyed:

• Face painting and glitter tattoos 
• Our bunny ear workshop, where you got creative and made your own ears
• Special appearances from the Easter Bunny, who stopped by for plenty of photos
• We also gave away 100 free Easter eggs to families, helping to make sure as many children as possible could enjoy a tasty treat

Have a look through some of our favourite moments from the day…

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for more events, activities and things to enjoy at Ladysmith throughout the year.

• Facebook
• Instagram

The post A Bunny Bonanza! appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Join us for a day full of festive fun on Saturday 20th December, from 11am - 3pm. 

Two wonderfully cheeky elves will be landing directly in the heart of Ladysmith Shopping Centre, ready to meet and greet shoppers of all ages. Their mission is to spread festive excitement and make a memorable shopping experience for Ashton families as they complete their Christmas shopping. 

When: Saturday 20th December 2025

Where: Ladysmith Shopping Centre

Time: 11am – 3pm

Beyond the joy and the playful antics of the elves, we are also inviting children to take part in a hands-on Reindeer Food making workshop. This activity will add a touch of magic to your Christmas Eve, as you’ll be able to take the food home with you to leave out for Rudolph and his reindeer friends! 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

The festive fun continues online! Keep an eye on our website and social media channels where we will be giving one lucky person the chance to win an £100 voucher for a store or restaurant of their choice. 

• Facebook
• Instagram

Sign  up to our newsletter today to be the first to hear about our events and digital competitions!

Email

Ladysmith Shopping Centre Christmas event terms and conditions

1. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18
2. This event is free to attend.
3. Ladysmith Shopping Centre reserves the right to refuse entry.
4. Ladysmith Shopping Centre at its absolute discretion reserves the right at any time to cancel or amend events, activities, workshops, alter times, prices and services without notice.
5. If the event is cancelled in its entirety, Ladysmith Shopping Centre will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you as soon as reasonably possible.
6. Dogs and all other pets are not permitted within the Ladysmith Shopping Centre or any events. This is with the exception of Assistant Dogs and some restrictions do apply. 
7. Admission to any event, activity or workshop is at your own risk. Ladysmith Shopping Centre will not be held liable for any loss, injuries or damages or emotional distress sustained at or during or following the event, activity or workshop including damage, theft or losses to property and motor vehicles.
8. Please note that CCTV, film cameras and photographers may be present. By entering Ladysmith Shopping Centre, you consent to filming stills photography and sound recording and its use in distribution (commercial or otherwise) without any payment.
9. If you experience any problems during the event, activity or workshop, please contact a member of Ladysmith Shopping Centre staff, as it may not be possible to resolve issues after the event, activity, or workshop.

The post A Magical Christmas appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Here’s your guide to making Halloween extra special with a little help from our fantastic stores.

Hauntingly Good Finds at Home Bargains

Big bash or a cosy movie night, Home Bargains is the ultimate one-stop shop for all things Halloween. Stock up on fun décor, eerie lighting, and those must-have trick-or-treat sweets.

Why not grab a Witches’ Brew mug for your pumpkin-spiced latte, or a makeup kit to transform yourself into a ghostly ghoul or glamorous vampire? Don’t forget the huge range of costumes for kids and adults, perfect for every party, parade, or spooky selfie.

Boo Basket Idea! Fill a cute basket from Cards Direct with sweets, face paints, a mug, and a few spooky surprises, it’s a fun way to treat your friends or little ones!

Glamoween with Boots & Fifi’s

If you’re going for more glam than grim, Boots is your go-to for creating a flawless Halloween look. Pick up bold eyeshadows, dramatic lashes, and striking lip colours to bring your costume to life. Add a set of stick-on nails or some metallic polish for that extra sparkle under the moonlight.

For a professional touch, head to Fifi’s and choose a set of Halloween-inspired designs, think pumpkin orange, witchy black, or ghostly white. Whether you’re feeling spooky or chic, your nails will definitely cast a spell!

A Frightful Feast with Heron Foods

Hosting a Halloween get-together? Heron Foods has all the essentials to help you create a deliciously spooky spread. Stock up on party bites, crisps, and drinks, and maybe even whip up a ‘Monster Munch’ platter with their frozen treats and savoury nibbles.

From quick snacks to budget-friendly banquet bits, Heron Foods is your secret weapon for a Halloween party that’s big on fun but light on the wallet!

Sweet Treats from Greenhalgh’s

No Halloween celebration is complete without something sweet! Did you know Greenhalgh’s is serving up limited-edition Halloween-themed bakes, including Wicked-themed doughnuts and gingerbread? They look ghoulishly good!

Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), these ghoulish goodies are ideal for a Halloween party table or an after-school treat to get everyone in the spooky spirit.

Chills and Thrills from CeX

When the night draws in, there’s nothing better than a good scare on screen. Pop into CeX to pick up some spooky films or games, whether you love a classic horror or a fun family favourite, they’ve got plenty to choose from.

So grab your popcorn (and maybe a blanket to hide under!) and get ready for a fright night to remember.

Wrap Up the Fun

From hair-raising décor to sweet snacks and spine-tingling style, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect Halloween at Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

So whether you’re trick-or-treating with the family, hosting a monster mash, or planning a glamorous night out, let’s make this Halloween one to remember, full of treats, not tricks!

And don’t forget, our Charity of the Year is the Anthony Seddon Fund. Your continued support helps make a real difference in our community!

Happy Haunting from all of us at Ladysmith Shopping Centre!

The post Spooktacular Fun Awaits at Ladysmith appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

This Halloween, prepare for a day of spooky fun at Ladysmith Shopping Centre!

Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween event where you can get up close and personal with some creepy creatures. 

When: Thursday 30th October 2025

Time: 10am – 3pm 

Where: Ladysmith Shopping Centre, Ashton-Under-Lyne 

It’s going to be a wild and unforgettable day, with everything from slithering snakes and leathery lizards to hairy tarantulas and tenrecs. You’ll have a hands-on encounter with these fascinating creatures and get to chat with expert handlers who will share some fun, freaky facts about each one. 

What’s a Halloween event without a costume? Transform your face with our free face painting station! 

All activities are free to participate in, however, we encourage you to make a donation to our charity of the year partner The Anthony Seddon Fund who will be in attendance throughout the event. 

Suggested donation amount: £2 for a face painting, £1 for participating in the creepy crawly encounter. 

We can’t wait to see you there for a ghoulishly good time!

And Don’t Miss…

Spot the Spooky Differences Competition

Think you’ve got a sharp eye? Spot all the spooky changes in our Halloween scene and enter for a chance to win a Boo Basket! 🕸️🍬

Enter Now!

Halloween event terms and conditions 

1. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18
2. This event is free to attend.
3. Ladysmith Shopping Centre reserves the right to refuse entry.
4. Ladysmith Shopping Centre at its absolute discretion reserves the right at any time to cancel or amend events, activities, workshops, alter times, prices and services without notice.
5. If the event is cancelled in its entirety, Ladysmith Shopping Centre will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you as soon as reasonably possible.
6. Dogs and all other pets are not permitted within the Ladysmith Shopping Centre or any events. This is with the exception of Assistant Dogs and some restrictions do apply. 
7. Admission to any event, activity or workshop is at your own risk. Ladysmith Shopping Centre will not be held liable for any loss, injuries or damages or emotional distress sustained at or during or following the event, activity or workshop including damage, theft or losses to property and motor vehicles.
8. Please note that CCTV, film cameras and photographers may be present. By entering Ladysmith Shopping Centre, you consent to filming stills photography and sound recording and its use in distribution (commercial or otherwise) without any payment.
9. If you experience any problems during the event, activity or workshop, please contact a member of Ladysmith Shopping Centre staff, as it may not be possible to resolve issues after the event, activity or workshop.

The post Spooktacular Halloween appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

The post Somewhere Over The Rainbow Spin the Wheel appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

Our Digital Spin the Wheel Competition!

Spin the wheel and you could win a super summer activity bundle!

Don’t miss out! Entries close 10am 26th August.

Enter Now!

The post Somewhere over the Rainbow at Ladysmith appeared first on Ladysmith Shopping Centre.