Spectacular Sunday attracts thousands into Stockport town centre

Tens-of-thousands of people made their way into the town centre for Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday on 16th November, as the town transformed into a vibrant carnival to mark the beginning of the festive season.

Now in its third year, the event, organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport BID, Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Market saw more than 50 acts outdoor shows take place across the town at Merseyway, Suffragette Square, Market Place, The Underbanks and Warren Street.

Merseyway reported a whopping 115% increase in footfall compared to the previous Sunday with the huge turnout making this one of Stockport’s most successful large-scale events in recent years.

Cllr Dan Oliver from Stockport Council said,

“Spectacular Sunday is proof that Stockport does Christmas differently. Yes, we have the festive magic, but we also bring creativity, culture and performance right onto our streets. It was brilliant to be there in person and see thousands of people come together for something bold, joyful and uniquely Stockport.

“This way of kicking off Christmas is really striking a chord. We’ve seen a 20% increase in visitors year-on-year since 2023, with families, friends and visitors to Stockport town centre experiencing something you simply don’t get everywhere else.”

Mark Ross, Chief Executive at Totally Stockport BID said,

“Stockport has always embraced a quirky and creative spirit, and this year’s Spectacular Sunday showed exactly why that makes Stockport… Stockport! Working with our partners at Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Council, we transformed the town centre into a vibrant, creative playground that drew fantastic crowds and delivered a strong boost for local businesses. Creativity is key to Stockport’s success, and we continue to support it when and where we can!”

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway and Redrock said,

“It was incredible to see so many people coming into the town centre and filling Merseyway with energy and excitement. The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish, and the footfall was truly magnificent – a real reflection of how strongly the event resonates with our community and visitors.”

Families were charmed throughout the day by a lively programme of entertainment, including the mischievous Cocky Robins, Ski Sunday, Christmas Belles and Bouncing Snowmen, who quickly became favourites with children and parents as they playfully strutted through the town. Outside Stockroom, the brilliantly eccentric L’Hotel drew huge crowds, with their riotous Le Cabaret performance having audiences laughing from start to finish. Outside STOK, the uplifting Song Space Choir encouraged passers-by to join in the joyful renditions of well-known favourites and festive tunes, while Mr Wilson’s Second Liners brought the spirit of New Orleans to the North.

The interactive bee installations, BEES!, located outside Stockport Market, captured imaginations and became a major hit with families, while the Underbanks experienced a flood of excitement for Miniscule of Sound, the UK’s smallest nightclub. Over in Suffragette Square near Redrock, there were plenty of performers, including the high-energy Dancing Robots, who lit up the space with futuristic beats and provided plenty of photo moments.

With a vibrant explosion of street theatre, comedic performers, live bands, talented dance troupes and towering giant puppets including a marvellous Bee, the excitement built throughout the day ahead of a spectacular 4.30pm finale parade, which brought the festival to an electrifying close.

Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday was completely free to attend and was part-funded by the UK Government.