Giant puppets, a sculpture trail and live music events will be taking over Stockport for its Town of Culture Weekender later this month.
Happening on 23 and 24 March, it will mark the end of Stockport’s tenure as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture with events happening over 25 locations.
Central to the weekender will be the newly minted town centre park, the first green space in the UK to be built on top of a transport interchange, where a host of the events will take place.
These will include a Carnival of the Animals parade, curated by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and featuring giant animal puppets, a grandpa comedy duo, live music with Pandemonium Steel Band, Tai Chi and Yoga taster classes and a Stockport Sculpture Trail.
There will be music and dance events showcased at venues including Merseyway Shopping Centre, AMP, Petersgate Tap, Magnet, Spinning Top and the Market Place, while Stockport Library will be hosting Bluey Day, featuring games and crafts based on the popular animation series.
There will also be walks and tours around town, including a Hatting Walk and a Stockport Music Walk, taking visitors on a fascinating journey through the town’s rich musical heritage.
Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “It will be wonderful to celebrate the end of our town of culture year with such a big extravaganza in the town centre, with so much to keep the whole family entertained.
“We hope this event will showcase just what we have achieved this year. It’s been wonderful to see residents and visitors enjoying all we have to offer culturally as a borough, whether going to an event or exhibition, shopping in the town centre or one of our district centres or enjoying a bite to eat.
“With help from everyone who has helped organise Town of Culture, we have facilitated and
created a positive impression of the borough and a lasting legacy of creativity in the arts with
Stockport Makes and Stockport Sounds, the ways in which we’ve helped residents get active with Stockport Moves and the wonderful cuisine we have on offer with Stockport Tastes.
“We’ve shown that Stockport is on the up and the place to be, now and in the future.”
