Stockport’s free, one-day festival, featuring 200 performers and more than 50 shows, will be returning to usher in the festive season.
Spectacular Sunday, which held its inaugural event last year, will be happening on 17 November at sites and venues across the town.
Visitors will be treated to everything from giant roller-skating presents, a living snow globe, roaming Christmas dolls, street theatre including grumpy Christmas grandads, a giant balloon man and a water show which turns members of the audience into human fountains.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland from 11am to 5pm, with performers taking over locations including Market Place, Underbanks, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
The grand finale will happen at Merseyway, bringing together the brass bands of Stockport with a flash mob and a rendition of the Beatles’ classic All You Need Is Love.
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success! It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy. With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Victoria Nichol, Merseyway & Redrock Centre Manager said: “Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday was a huge hit last year attracting thousands of visitors to the town, so we’re delighted to be taking part in the event again this year and have some amazing new performers lined up. It’s a fantastic way to launch the festive season in Stockport and an opportunity for families to enjoy a day out and see a whole host of free shows and street theatre, enjoy festive food and drink from our Christmas Huts and get a head-start on their Christmas shopping! With more than 50 shows taking place right across the town centre, this is definitely one not to be missed.”
Rhys Owen, Chair of Totally Stockport (Stockport BID) said: “Totally Stockport (BID) is excited to bring Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday back for 2024 in partnership with Stockport Council and Merseyway. Last year the event attracted thousands of visitors to the town and we are so pleased to support the event again this year with some amazing new performers lined up.
“It’s a great event and such a wonderful way to start the festive season in Stockport for everyone to enjoy a day out and see a whole host of free shows and street theatre. With more than 50 shows taking place including numerous local performers and groups, this is definitely a spectacular day out.”
