Stockport’s festive Spectacular Sunday is back this month

Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday returns later this month, bringing with it more than 200 performers and 50 free shows to the town.

Taking place on Sun 17 Nov, from 11am – 5pm, the one-day celebration promises a magical experience for all ages, filled with mesmerising street theatre, live music, and vibrant performances.

Returning for a second year, the celebrations have been organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, and will return with a brand-new line up for 2024 produced by visual arts and carnival organisation,
Global Grooves.

With entertainment on every corner of Stockport, visitors can enjoy an array of shows and performances at a variety of locations, including Merseyway Shopping Centre, Suffragette Square, The Underbanks, Market Place and Warren Street. Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Stockport Museum and Staircase House will also be open from 11am – 4pm.

Merseyway will be providing a winter wonderland experience, where visitors can discover an enchanting Living Snow Globe, Roller Skating Presents, the cheeky National Elf Service and giant Jacks of Frost.

Carlos Airhead’s balloon antics, comedy duo, Grumpy Grandads and hilarious Rocket Man, Elton Wrong are sure to keep everyone laughing, while a holiday soundtrack will be provided by live brass bands, local performers and festive musicians.

The Market Place welcomes ARTIZANI Desert Island Discs, where a giant 20-foot inflatable lobster and tropical storyline promise fun for all ages. The Walkabout Penguins will also be spreading festive fun with their clumsy, lovable antics, while Juba de Leão, a vibrant drum and dance collective, will bring the rhythm of Christmas to life.

Across The Underbanks, the hilarious Spurting People will select ten lucky audience members, ready to be transformed into human fountains, John Hicks will be creating live, iconic portraits on towering canvases in mere minutes, while Dizzee Brascals deliver explosive beats.

Under St Petersgate Bridge, visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of The Living Dress, a stunning 5m tall installation made of naturally dyed textiles, inviting onlookers to reflect on the harmony between nature and fashion.

The Culinary Capers will be heading to Warren Street with daring stunts involving everything from flying fruit to balancing baguettes. Plus, a procession takeover will ignite Suffragette Square and Merseyway with an array of carnival colour and walkabout acts, featuring Grooving and Moving Robots, Bustle Sprouts, A Baby T-Rex and his Elf Wrangler, a Hip-Hop Elf Puppet, Giant Christmas Dolls, Star Spirits and lots more.

Wrapping things up, there’ll be a flash mob from 4.30pm, featuring Stockport’s own “All You Need Is Love” spectacle.

For the full programme and timings, click here.