From 4th July to 15th September 2025, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld Art Trail takes over the town centre.
The trail, created by global arts producer, Wild in Art, will make its North West debut in Stockport, after previous appearances in Battersea and North Tyneside.
Delivered in partnership with Totally Stockport and lifestyle brand, SmileyWorld, the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety and lots more.
the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured at Merseyway Shopping Centre, Market Place, Redrock Stockport, Stockport Underbanks, Stockport Exchange, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, Stockport Train Station, Prince’s Street, Stockport Retail Park and Tesco Portwood. Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect and smile – or not! – as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles and doodles for kids, available either to download or to pick up from town centre businesses and venues.
Shaun Freeman-Jones, BID Manager at Totally Stockport, said:
“The SmileyWorld Art Trail is a fantastic opportunity to welcome residents and visitors into our town centre for a free, feel-good experience this summer – but it’s about more than just smiles. The trail explores a whole range of emotions, from joy and excitement to curiosity and anger, brought to life through bold and imaginative sculptures. It’s a celebration of creativity, a boost for local businesses, and a chance for people of all ages to connect with how they feel. It’s bold, bright and it’s bang-on brand for Stockport!”
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art said:
“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport. Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
The trail is the latest in a growing line-up of unmissable events delivered by Totally Stockport BID, including Stock Party, a huge street festival which will return to the town this June, as well as past events, which saw 1,000 Morris dancers descend on the town in April, and a fabulous Christmas celebration in November last year.
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