Ashbourne’s Big Fashion Day Out returned in style on Sunday 6 September, with over 500 people supporting the event and creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town centre.
Now in its second year, the event moved into Ashbourne’s newly regenerated Market Place for 2026.Two fashion shows showcased the remarkable breadth of fashion available locally – from premium and country lifestyle brands to contemporary fashion, vintage and childrenswear – highlighting Ashbourne’s appeal across different generations and styles.
Taking part were Henmores, Sacs, Joules, Be Calmed, Yew Tree Vintage, Young Ideas, Sinfoil & Slater, FatFace, Chic & Mini Chic and Betty’s Sewing Box, alongside special showcases from lead sponsor C.W. Sellors Fine Jewellery.
Local hairdressers also joined the collaboration, with Sally Montague Hair Group, Air, Kristian Wood and The Lounge supporting retailers and models to create the runway looks.
Adding to the atmosphere throughout the day were the High Peak Radio DJs, providing an upbeat musical backdrop to the shows and activity in the Market Place, before Sophie Sax brought the event to a memorable close with a live saxophone performance.
Particularly encouraging this year was the number of newer businesses taking part, many having opened within the past year. Their presence alongside Ashbourne’s established independents demonstrated the town’s continuing ability to attract new and younger entrepreneurs and further strengthen its reputation as a fashion and shopping destination.
Anne, owner of Young Ideas Group, said
“It was wonderful to see the Market Place full of people and such a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town.
“What really struck me this year was the diversity – both in the businesses involved and the people they appeal to. We saw young people embracing vintage fashion from Yew Tree Vintage alongside contemporary, premium and country brands, childrenswear and some wonderfully creative independents. Ashbourne has an increasingly broad fashion offer for a town of its size.
“It is particularly exciting to see new businesses and younger entrepreneurs choosing Ashbourne as the place to develop their ideas. They are joining some fantastic long-established businesses and bringing new energy and creativity to the town.
“Betty’s Sewing Box is a brilliant example – a unique, energetic business, highly creative in its designs and completely embracing the spirit of the day. That willingness to get involved is a great example of the community spirit we have in Ashbourne.
“The Big Fashion Day Out is about much more than fashion. It is about bringing people into Ashbourne, supporting our high street and celebrating everything that makes the town such a special place.”
The newly improved Market Place providing a striking new setting for this year’s shows. With visitors moving between the event and Ashbourne’s shops, cafés, bars and other businesses throughout the afternoon, the day demonstrated how events can support the wider town as well as showcase its growing retail and hospitality offer.
Organisers hope the Big Fashion Day Out will continue to grow and reinforce Ashbourne’s position as a destination for independent shopping, fashion, hospitality and days out in Derbyshire.
The event was supported by lead sponsor C.W. Sellors Fine Jewellery , alongside Ashbourne Arts, Ashbourne Town Council, Avanti, Sally Montague Hair Group , High Peak Radio 1, Bear, Stepping Stones, Poms, Aspect Medical, Riverside Medical, Lester Lowe, Young Ideas, Henmores, Hopton Hall and the Ashbourne Sports & Community Partnership.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, took part, sponsored, volunteered and supported this year’s event.
Following another successful year, attention is already turning to Ashbourne’s Big Fashion Day Out 2027, with businesses, retailers, sponsors and community organisations interested in getting involved invited to contact sales@youngideasfashion.com.
