Do you remember the beautiful and colourful tulips that popped up across Ashton during this year’s Tulip Trail? From bold designs to creative community stories, the trail brought a splash of colour and plenty of smiles to the town.
While the trail itself has now come to an end, the good news is that many of the much-loved sculptures haven't gone far. Instead, they've put down roots in new homes across the borough, where they can continue to bring joy for years to come.
Three favourites have returned to where it all began, among the famous tulip beds in Stamford Park. Look out for Khush Amdid with Lizzy Rigby, Proud and OutLoud with Caroline Coats, and Town & Country, also by Caroline Coats. They're blooming whatever the weather!
Elsewhere, Toby Jack's tulip is giving visitors a cheerful welcome at Family Hub Ashton North, while Aspirations from Tameside College won the Skills Award with their Tulip with Simon Mound, has been planted up at Tameside College.
Elsewhere across Tameside, the sculptures have become part of the communities that helped make the trail such a success.
At St James Primary School, pupils can enjoy their tulip, created with artist Jojo Hayfron, every day in the school grounds. History lovers should head to Local Studies and Archives to find the Local History Forum's tulip with Gordon Banks, while visitors to Portland Basin Museum can spot the sculpture by Helen Dodsworth, standing proudly on the wharf, watching over the canal and passing boaters.
These tulips may have found their forever homes, but the adventure isn't over. A brand-new trail is set to bloom across Tameside in 2027, so stay tuned!
Why not turn your next day out into a tulip treasure hunt? See how many sculptures you can find, snap a selfie with your favourite, and relive some of the fun from this year's trail. These colourful creations are a lasting reminder of the creativity, community spirit and pride that made the Tulip Trail such a blooming success.
For now, happy tulip spotting!
