Stockport to host FREE cultural weekender festival this month

Stockport is set to host a free-to-attend cultural weekender filled with parades, workshops, comedy, live music, theatre and much, much more.

The town will be hosting a huge celebration this month as residents can come together for a two-day, fun-packed weekend of cultural festivities and access to must-visit venues, free of charge.

The Stockport Town of Culture Weekender promises fun all ages can enjoy, with more than 50 events lined up across 25 locations.

Taking place over the weekend of March 23rd and 24th, the Town of Culture Weekender will showcase the incredible variety of culture and creativity happening in Stockport.

Marking the end of its Greater Manchester Town of Culture status with a bang, visitors will be encouraged to explore new spaces while enjoying an event programme packed with live music, art, comedy and history.

Some of the fantastic events visitors can expect include Carnival of the Animals parade, live music, comedy acts, music, theatre and dance performances, sports workshops, gardening, crafts, history tours, free entry to local venues and more.

The newly opened centre park – a lush greenspace built on the rooftop of the town’s brand new transport interchange – which will play host to several activities planned across the weekend.

Music and dance will also be showcased at venues including Merseyway Shopping Centre, AMP, Petersgate Tap, Magnet, Spinning Top and the Market Place.

Meanwhile, Stockport Library will be providing all the fun for the little ones with a Bluey Day, featuring games and crafts based on the popular animated series.

A series of walks, tours and activities will also take place across the weekend, including a Hatting Walk and Stockport Music Walk, taking visitors on a fascinating journey through the town’s heritage.

The War Memorial Gallery will also be hosting the Stockport Rising Exhibition, showcasing the works of five local celebrated artists.

For those who are interested in exploring the town’s many attractions, many will be offering free entry for all, including the newly re-opened Hat Works Museum, Air Raid Shelters and Stockport Museum.

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,” he added.

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: “There will be so much to see and do over the Stockport Town of Culture Weekender. 

“So, save the date and make your way to the Town Centre to enjoy all the fun with your friends and family as we bring the curtain down on a fantastic year in Stockport with the Town of Culture Weekender.”