Cityheart to host Art Battle at Stopford Park

On Saturday 20 September,? Art Battle returns to Stockport with a Back-to-School theme and unprecedented access to a Grade II listed building at Stopford Park ahead of its redevelopment by Cityheart.

Over the last decade Art Battle has created a huge following. The high energy event pitches 10 artists against each other in unusual venues for a competitive live art showdown with big audiences, with previous Stockport events taking place in the former Debenhams store in the town centre.

Battling it out in the round with 30 minutes on the clock, 10 of Greater Manchester’s top painters, illustrators and street artists will go head-to-head against each other. Each will be given a blank canvas to create a masterpiece will crowds watch the action before crowning the champion for the night.  

G?ranted special one-off access to the future Stopford Park regeneration masterplan, Art Battle will take over the former Grade II listed college building before it returns as ‘Cheers and Smith’ a coworking space, named after the building’s original architects.  

Penny Langton, Marketing Director for Cityheart said:

“We’re so excited to host Art Battle. An outstanding event which provides creatives a real opportunity to showcase their talents and that’s what we’re all about. We welcome the opportunity to meet and connect with local creatives as we move forward on plans for Stopford Park, The Art Park and Cheers & Smith to build meaningful relationships for future collaboration.” 

John Macaulay, Co-Founder of Art Battle MCR said:

“Having never used the same building twice, we’re always on the lookout for somewhere to do battle with bags of character and history in the walls. The tiny window of opportunity to get into the magnificent Grade II listed Cheers & Smith building had to be seized. It creates the perfect back drop to see our artists go head-to-head, there’s even a viewing balcony to watch the action from a different viewpoint as it unfolds in front of you. Expect lots of energy, incredible art, good music and Stockport‘s finest indie food and drink for what promises to be an iconic return to Stopford.”

Thanks to? sponsorship from Stockport’s BID, Totally Stockport, Art Battle will play true to the back-to-school theme and the incredible setting (yes, there’s still roller chalk boards up along with the stunning original Pilkington tiles), with a few additional treats lined up, including a tuck-shop.  

The immersive event will celebrate Stockport’s vibrant music and food culture with local DJs and food traders such as legendary Polish bakery Sticky Fingers and Café San Juan. Keeping the drinks flowing, Stockport’s very own Runaway Brewery, Stockport Gin and Cherry Jam will each have pop-up bars.  

Bringing the event to life, the multi-talented DJ and broadcaster Hattie Pearson will be the host.

Tickets are on-sale now from Skiddle. Due to a limited capacity at this exclusive one-off location, it’s advised to move fast to avoid disappointment.