Ashbourne is preparing for a summer packed with family-friendly entertainment, community celebrations and town centre activity as local volunteers, businesses and organisations come together to launch a major programme of events in the town’s newly regenerated Market Place.
Following the completion of the town’s regeneration improvements and wider £15 million Levelling Up investment, the refurbished Market Place is set to become a vibrant focal point for community life, helping attract visitors, support independent businesses and create new reasons for people to spend time in the town centre.
Three major Sunday events have now been confirmed for Summer 2026:
- Ashbourne Dog Day Out – Sunday 14th June
- Ashbourne Classic Car Festival – Sunday 2nd August
- Ashbourne Big Fashion Day Out – Sunday 6th September
The events are being coordinated by Ashbourne Town Team and Discover Ashbourne CIC in partnership with Ashbourne Town Council and the Ashbourne Festival, alongside local businesses, volunteers and community organisations, helping bring new energy, footfall and activity into the town centre throughout the summer months.
The programme aims to showcase Ashbourne as a vibrant destination market town whilst encouraging residents and visitors alike to enjoy the newly improved public spaces created through the regeneration programme.
The refurbished Market Place is already beginning to establish itself as an important hub for community events and activities, with the regular Makers Market now taking place in the town centre and future plans also being explored for a Food Market and After Dark Market.
All three summer events are designed to have strong family appeal, creating welcoming and inclusive days out for all ages whilst supporting local cafés, pubs, retailers and hospitality businesses across the town centre.
The first event, Ashbourne Dog Day Out, taking place on Sunday 14 June from 11am, promises a fun-filled community day bringing together dog lovers, families, visitors and local businesses in the heart of the town.
The event will feature a variety of dog show classes including Waggiest Tail, Fancy Dress, Best Rescue and Child Handler, alongside music, entertainment, local business stalls, refreshments and community activities throughout the day.
Organisers say the event is not only about celebrating dogs and the local community, but also about making full use of the newly upgraded public spaces and helping drive increased footfall into Ashbourne over the summer season.
The Ashbourne Classic Car Festival will then bring a stunning display of classic and vintage vehicles into the town centre during the height of the summer season, creating a major attraction for visitors and motoring enthusiasts from across the region.
Special recognition is being given to Ashbourne Car Enthusiasts, who are leading the organisation and coordination of the Classic Car Festival event.
The summer programme will culminate with the return of the Ashbourne Big Fashion Day Out in September, following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event which attracted hundreds of visitors into the town and generated widespread positive publicity for Ashbourne businesses and the wider town centre.
Anne Wright, Chair of Ashbourne Town Team, said:
“These events are about far more than simply putting on entertainment. They are about creating pride, energy and confidence in Ashbourne and making full use of the fantastic new Market Place space that has been created through the regeneration programme.
“We want Ashbourne to be known as a vibrant, welcoming and creative town which supports local businesses and gives people reasons to visit, stay longer and enjoy everything the town has to offer.
“There has been a huge effort from local volunteers, businesses and organisations to help make these events happen and we are incredibly grateful for all the support being shown across the community.”
Organisers are now encouraging local traders, hospitality businesses and community organisations to get involved, support the events and make the most of the increased visitor numbers expected throughout the summer.
Sponsorship opportunities, stallholder enquiries and volunteer support are also being welcomed.
Tickets for the Ashbourne Dog Day Out show classes will be available to purchase on the day, with advance tickets also available from Henmores in Ashbourne and Peak Village.
Further details about all summer events can be found on the “What’s On” pages of the Discover Ashbourne website and through participating businesses’ social media channels over the coming weeks.
