More than 50 events lined up to close out Stockport’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture

25 locations across Stockport town centre will host more than 50 events over the weekend of 23 and 24 March as the town celebrates the end of its tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

Stockport took on the mantle of Greater Manchester Town of Culture in April 2023, and over the past 12 months has hosted a range of activities across four themes: Stockport Moves, Stockport Makes, Stockport Tastes and Stockport Sounds. The Greater Manchester town that will take over the role for 2024 has yet to be announced.

The Town of Culture Weekender will showcase the incredible variety of culture and creativity happening in Stockport, as well as the work and projects that have been delivered during the Town of Culture year.

The soon-to-open town centre Park atop Stockport’s new 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.

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. Music and dance will be also be showcased at a range of venues in the town centre.

Cllr 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.

“With help from everyone who has helped organise Town of Culture, we have facilitated and created a positive impression of the borough and a lasting legacy of creativity in the arts with Stockport Makes and Stockport Sounds, the ways in which we’ve helped residents get active with Stockport Moves and the wonderful cuisine we have on offer with Stockport Tastes. We’ve shown that Stockport is on the up and the place to be, now and in the future.”

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said:

“There will be so much to see and do over the Stockport Town of Culture Weekender. So, save the date and make your way to the Town Centre to enjoy all the fun with your friends and family as we bring the curtain down on a fantastic year in Stockport with the Town of Culture Weekender.”

For more details on activities taking place across the town, please visit the Stockport Town of Culture Weekender website.