Stockport to host huge two-day Town of Culture celebration this month

Stockport is hosting a huge Town of Culture Weekender later this month – a fun-filled two days of festivities and free access to must-visit venues.

More than 50 events will be taking place across Sat 23 & Sun 24 Mar, each showcasing the vast variety of culture and creativity happening across Stockport, as well as showcasing the work and projects that have been delivered during the Town of Culture year.

Aiming to mark the end of Stockport’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture status with a bang, activities will be taking place at 25 locations across the town, encouraging visitors to explore new spaces while enjoying an eclectic programme packed with live music, art, comedy and history.

The newly opened town centre Park – the first green space in the UK to be built on top of a transport interchange – will play host to many of the activities across the weekend.

These will include a Carnival of the Animals parade, curated by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves featuring giant animal puppets, a grandpa comedy duo, live music with Pandemonium Steel Band, Tai Chi and Yoga taster classes and a Stockport Sculpture Trail.

There will be music and dance at several venues including Merseyway Shopping Centre, AMP, Petersgate Tap, Magnet, Spinning Top and the Market Place, while Stockport Library will be keeping the little ones entertained with a Bluey Day, featuring games and crafts based on the popular animation series.

A series of walks, tours and activities will also take place across the weekend, including a Hatting Walk and Stockport Music Walk, taking visitors on a fascinating journey through the town’s heritage, while The War Memorial Gallery will also be hosting the Stockport Rising Exhibition, showcasing the works of five local celebrated artists.

Many of the town’s leading attractions will be offering free entry, including the newly re-opened Hat Works Musuem, Air Raid Shelters and Stockport Museum.

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “It will be wonderful to celebrate the end of our town of culture year with such a big extravaganza in the town centre, with so much to keep the whole family entertained. We hope this event will showcase just what we have achieved this year. It’s been wonderful to see residents and visitors enjoying all we have to offer culturally as a borough, whether going to an event or exhibition, shopping in the town centre or one of our district centres or enjoying a bite to eat.”

You can find more information about all of the planned festivities here.