Edgeley Park will transform into a one-night-only live art arena on Friday 12 June Art Battle MCR is bringing its boldest event yet to Stockport County this summer, transforming the historic stadium into a high-energy creative arena for one unforgettable night.
The city’s much-loved live art event will see ten artists battle the clock – and each other – in a fast-paced painting showdown. Known for never repeating a venue in over 13 years, Art Battle MCR has built a cult following by taking over unexpected spaces across Greater Manchester, including Stockport’s former Debenhams store, and the former Grade II listed college building at Stopford Park which is being transformed into co-working space, Cheers & Smith. This latest edition marks the first time the event has ever taken place inside a football stadium.
For one night only, Edgeley Park will swap football for fine art as audiences experience the ground like never before. The ten artists will have just 30 minutes to create an original artwork live in front of the crowd. Swapping boots for brushes, artists will go head-to-head in a high-pressure creative clash with no extra time and no penalties – while the audience votes to decide who progresses and ultimately wins the night.
But Art Battle MCR is far more than just a painting competition. Expect festival vibes, DJs, live entertainment, Stockport’s finest indie food and drinks, crowd interaction and plenty of unexpected shenanigans throughout the evening, creating an atmosphere closer to a live gig or sporting event than a traditional gallery show.
John Macaulay, Co-Founder of Art Battle Manchester, said:
“We’ve spent 13 years transforming unusual spaces into creative experiences, but taking over a football stadium feels genuinely special. We want people to experience Edgeley Park in a completely different way – but with some familiarity: loud, energetic, immersive, and full of surprises.”
The event is expected to attract artists, creatives, football fans, nightlife audiences and anyone looking for a unique Friday night experience. The crowd will be able to walk away with all the pieces created on the night with a live auction helping to raise money for Kits by County.
Alison Warwood, CEO Stockport County Community Trust said,
“We’re delighted to welcome Art Battle to Edgeley Park and would like to thank them for helping to raise funds for Kits By County, Stockport County’s initiative which provides free kit to Stockport primary school pupils. This campaign has provided more than 7,000 PE kits to primary school pupils across the borough over the past two years, helping ensure more young people can take part in sport and physical activity with confidence. The funds raised through Art Battle will enable us to build on that impact and support even more children in the year ahead helping to provide over 5,000 kits in September 2026.
Art Battle MCR events are known for selling out quickly, and organisers are encouraging audiences to book early.
Tickets available from Skiddle here,
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