UK’s biggest Morris dancing takeover comes to Stockport

Stockport is gearing up for an explosion of folk energy as the town centre hosts the largest gathering of Morris Dancers the UK has ever seen on 26th April.

Welcoming over 1,000 dancers who are ready to clang and stomp their way into the town centre’s streets, A Day of Dance will be the biggest celebration of its kind. With the line-up now revealed, this one-of-a-kind event will feature a spectacular parade, hourly performances and a show-stopping Grand Dance finale, making it the most fun celebration of Morris dancing ever to be held in the UK.

Kicking off the excitement, a vibrant parade will set off from Viaduct Park at 10.30am, weaving its way through the town centre before reaching Market Place at 10.45am. From 11am – 4pm, the town will come alive with rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks, swirling ribbons and non-stop dance action, with four dedicated performance zones located at Redrock & Suffragette Square, Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport Underbanks and Market Place.

Filled with a fusion of tradition and energy, with traditional Morris jigs, high-energy folk jam sessions, impromptu dance-offs and lively street performances, the day will build to a Grand Dance from 4pm – 5.30pm, bringing together the very best performers for an unmissable showcase outside Primark in Merseyway. Then, to round off the festivities in true folk style, a free Ceilidh will take place at St Mary’s Church from 7.30pm – 10.45pm, featuring a live folk band, a pop-up craft beer bar and delicious street food. With doors opening at 7pm, tickets for the Ceilidh are free but must be reserved, and visitors are encouraged to book early to ensure they don’t miss any exciting Morris action.

Hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID with support from Stockport Council and Merseyway, this massive celebration is set to welcome thousands of spectators to Stockport’s streets, which will be buzzing with activities from local shops, businesses and the community, including family-friendly craft workshops, shire horses, niche folk-inspired fringe events and fun giveaways including thousands of Morris-themed stickers and leather badges.

See the full schedule and map online here.

Shaun Freeman-Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager said:

“This event has just got bigger and better! With an unparalleled line-up of performances, an exciting new parade and a Grand Dance finale, this is a moment Stockport won’t forget.

“We’re keen to bring quirky and unique events to Stockport and seeing thousands of Morris Dancers hit the town’s streets is certainly going to be one to remember!”

Cllr Helen Foster Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said:

“It’s a real honour for Stockport to host this national celebration of Morris dancing, welcoming groups from all over the country to our town. It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of tradition, community and fun. It’s events like this that bring our communities together, fill our streets with joy, and make Stockport such a fantastic place.  We can’t wait to see everyone dancing and enjoying this unforgettable day!”

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway said:

“To see the whole town centre transformed into a vibrant, energetic festival of Morris and folk dance is simply fantastic. The performances last year were a joy to witness, and this year’s event is on a completely different scale – it’s going to be unforgettable.”