STAY IN STOCKPORT FOR EXTRA SPARKLE THIS CHRISTMAS

Fantastic shopping, entertaining events, eye-catching decorations, festive markets and exciting visitor attractions are all on offer in Stockport this Christmas.

Celebrations kicked off this week as crowds flocked to Merseyway Shopping Centre’s star-studded Christmas light switch on event.

Shoppers can find everything they need for the festive season with a wide variety of high street shops and small independents, both in the town centre and in the district and local centres. Town centre shoppers can hop aboard the free Metroshuttle bus to save their feet between shops, which runs every 12 minutes.

Many shops in the town centre will be opening late until 8pm on Wednesdays until 12 December and every evening from Monday 17 – Saturday 22 December.

The Council is offering FREE parking in Council-owned pay and display car parks and bays in the town centre all day on Sunday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December. Free afternoon parking is also available from Monday 17 – Saturday 22 and Monday 24 December from 2pm onwards.

Visitors to Bramhall, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Edgeley (except Armoury Street), Hazel Grove, Marple, Reddish and Romiley can also park for FREE in Council-owned car parks on Saturday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December.

Events across the borough include lights switch on events in Cheadle Hulme, Heaton Moor, Heaton Mersey and Gatley, community carol singing in Cheadle and the ‘Light Up Bramhall’ two day Christmas celebration. Stockport’s visitor attractions are also offering family friendly events including a designer craft show at Stockport Art Gallery, wartime sing along at the Air Raid Shelters and craft workshops at Hat Works.

Festive and specialist markets will be on offer in the town centre, Reddish, Heaton Moor and Marple with great ideas for gifts, festive food and drink and decorations.

   Councillor Iain Roberts (pictured left) Executive  Member
   for Economic Development and Regeneration at 
   Stockport Council, said:
   “The festive season is a great time to rediscover your
   local shops and find out what’s going on in your
   community. There’s so much happening across
   Stockport – from carol singing and specialist markets to
   Santa’s grottos and late night shopping – there’s plenty
   of festive fun to be had!

  “I want to encourage everyone to make the most of the
   free parking and late night opening. Make sure you keep
   it local this Christmas to boost your local high street and
   community spirit.”

    For a full list of events, or for more information, visit
    www.stockport.gov.uk/christmas