Ashbourne Works Paused for Historic Shrovetide Celebrations
Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering paused works on the Ashbourne Reborn programme to support the town’s historic Royal Shrovetide celebrations.
We are proud to work on the Ashbourne Reborn programme on behalf of Galliford Try. This important public realm scheme is supported by the UK Government and aims to improve key areas of Ashbourne town centre.
As we deliver these improvements, we also recognise the importance of local heritage. The Royal Shrovetide football game is one of Ashbourne’s most famous traditions. Therefore, we planned our works around the event to help the celebrations run smoothly.
Respecting a Long-Standing Local Tradition
The Royal Shrovetide football game takes place every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
Each year, thousands of people visit Ashbourne to watch and take part in the event. As a result, the town centre becomes a key part of the celebration.
From the start of the project, our team planned to pause works during this period. This allowed the community and visitors to enjoy the event safely and without disruption from construction activity.
Temporary Site Closure
Our works began on the south section of Dig Street and Buxton Hill in early February.
Following guidance from Derbyshire Dales District Council and Derbyshire County Council, we temporarily closed the site on Friday 28 February.
Work then resumed on Monday 10 March.
This planned pause helped keep key areas clear for the Royal Shrovetide celebrations. It also supported safe access through the town centre during one of Ashbourne’s busiest periods.
Supporting Community Events During Public Realm Works
The Royal Shrovetide football match covers several areas linked to the Ashbourne Reborn project.
These include:
- Shrovetide Walk
- Shawcroft
- Dig Street
- St John Street
- Millennium Square
- Market Place
By pausing our works, we helped the town continue this important tradition. We also supported the wider aim of keeping Ashbourne welcoming and accessible
during the event.
About the Ashbourne Reborn Programme
Ashbourne Reborn is a £15.2 million programme designed to bring vibrancy, vitality and economic prosperity back to the town centre.
The project is funded by the UK Government. It is led by Derbyshire Dales District Council, working with Derbyshire County Council and Ashbourne Methodist Church as key delivery partners.
The programme will improve the pedestrian experience across several town centre streets, including:
- Dig Street
- St John Street
- Church Street
- Station Road
- Buxton Road
It will also enhance public spaces at the Market Place, Victoria Square, Millennium Square and Shrovetide Walk.
Keeping Ashbourne Open for Business
Danaher & Walsh understands the importance of maintaining access during town centre works.
Although temporary traffic lights and road closures will be needed at times, diversions will be clearly marked. Pedestrian access to local businesses will also be maintained throughout the works.
This approach will help residents, visitors and businesses move around the town as safely and easily as possible.
Delivering Improvements with Respect for the Community
The Ashbourne Reborn programme will create a more attractive, accessible and vibrant town centre.
At the same time, Danaher & Walsh remains committed to respecting local traditions and supporting the community during delivery.
Pausing works for the Royal Shrovetide celebrations was an important part of that commitment. It allowed the town to enjoy a much-loved event while our team continued to support the long-term regeneration of Ashbourne.
