Stockport is counting down to its August festival weekend as plans are finalised. Taking place from Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August, the Summer Festival is a real treat for the senses, with something for everyone on offer at various locations across the town centre, whatever your preference.
Friday 29th
Foodie Friday:
Friday 29th will once again see a return of the hugely popular Foodie Friday up at the Market Place.
Starting at 5pm and with a later closing time of 10pm, over 10 artisan food traders will take to the pavement and cook up a storm, creating a wide range of varied gastronomical delights, including Stone Bakes Pizzas, Jamaican curries, BBQ pork, Thai delicacies plus much, much more. The only difficulty is choosing which one to try…why not round up all your friends and each buy something different then share them all?
Musical entertainment: An open air stage will play host to four highly talented musicians from around the area, sourced by our partners the Blue Cat in Heaton Moor. Whether you prefer Folk, Jazz or Rock, our line-up of Slomo, Jill Fogden, Coroner for the Police and Martin Stephenson & The Daintees is sure to please. If you haven’t heard these before you really are in for a treat.
As always, a wide range of licensed and soft drinks are available for you to wash your tasty treats down with.
Foodie Friday on 29th August is most definitely the place to wind down from the working week and welcome in the start of the weekend, so get down to Stockport Market Place and grab the best spot to relax for the evening and take in the atmosphere.
Saturday 30th
Saturday 30th August will see something very different come to Mersey Square when the entire space will be transformed into a hub for all things Fashion-related!
Debenhams are clearing out their three front windows and will be giving three Stockport College fashion students complete creative decision making over one window each. All of the windows will be covered up at 7am and the students will be working in teams to dress each window using live models with access to whatever clothes, props and visual merchandise they need from in-store.
At 11:20am we will have a live unveiling then one student will be crowned as the winner at the end of the day once the Debenhams Regional Creative Director has judged them all. Live window dressing hasn’t been done in the North West before so this really is breaking new ground and bringing something really spectacular to Stockport.
As well as this exciting project, we will be running a series of Fashion Shows from 11:30am – 4pm on our purpose built catwalk that will stretch along the front of Mersey Square. With Eternal Envy, SOS, Wardrobe, M&S, Sainsbury’s TU, Debenhams and Peacocks showcasing the best of their range, you’ll be sure to find wardrobe inspiration as we move into the autumn season. Part of the Fashion Show will be a showcase of evening/occasion wear so if you want to look glamorous for an upcoming party but have run out of ideas, Mersey Square is the perfect place to get fashion-savvy!
If Vintage is your thing, come and take a look at our two Vintage Fashion Shows which are themed Daywear and Evening/Occasion wear. Or, if you are looking to be completely re-invented, grab the best spot in the crowd to be in with the chance of being selected for a 15 Minute Make-Over by our very own professional stylists – get pampered for free, what a great way to spend Saturday afternoon!
If shopping is your thing or you’re after a unique, thoughtful gift for someone, there will be market stalls on Mersey Square selling an array of beautifully crafted Handmade hats, jewellery and clothing as well as gorgeous smelling cosmetics.
Throughout the day there will be live and recorded music showcasing local talent and featuring sounds from our favourite artists.
From 2pm – 6pm Robinsons Visitor Centre will be opening their doors to the public and offering a gourmet ‘Beer & Bar Tapas Festival’, something which has been incredibly popular in the past. Delicious Tapas will be available for only £1.80 per serving and if you fancy washing it down with something cold and refreshing why not take advantage of the 3 x 1/3pint + Tapas for only £5 offer? What a great way to relax and enjoy your weekend!
Sunday 31st
Robinsons Visitors Centre will also have an Open House from 10.30am – 3pm on Sunday with a wide range of fun, interactive activities on offer. A children’s quiz will be taking place, firstly in the Visitors Centre itself then down to the Stables for more questions regarding the horses. After the competition has ended, all answer sheets will be handed in and a winner will be randomly picked. They will get the rare opportunity to spend ½ hour with the team to groom the horses – (date and time will be arranged with the winner). Also taking place in the Visitors Centre will be Ginger Bread horse decoration and if the weather is nice, the horses will be on display. The stables will be open during the afternoon for anyone who would like to meet and groom the horses.
Sunday from 11am – 3pm on Mersey Square is all about Family Fun. The area will be filled with fun, interactive activities for the whole family with live music on offer too. You could try your hand at crafts, taster sessions like Zumba or Basketball, give the Army climbing wall a go or perhaps you’d prefer their Speed & Agility course – have you got what is takes?
Peppa Pig and George Pig will be roaming around, Vernon Bear is coming out of hibernation and Minni Mouse will be flying in from Disneyland to see what all the fuss is about. I’m sure they’d have their pictures taken if you asked nicely…
There will plenty of give-aways and loads going on for the whole family to enjoy.
Plans are continuing to evolve at pace – keep up to date with the Stockport Summer Festival programme by visiting www.stockport.gov.uk/events or keep up with the latest news on Twitter @StockportMBC #stockportfestival
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