We love a boogie whether that be at home or on the club dance floor, however the Greater Manchester town of Stockport is shaking things up with A Day of Dance event with plenty of folk energy. As part of the event, the town will be taken over on Saturday 26th April by the largest gathering of Morris Dancers the UK has ever seen.
Welcoming over 1,000 dancers who are ready to clang and stomp their way into the town centre’s streets, this will be the biggest celebration of its kind. 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.
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. The town is set to 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.
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!”
The event is free to attend and will be fully accessible, with step-free access to performance zones, however tickets for the Ceilidh must be booked in advance. To see the full schedule and map click here.
For more information on A Day of Dance or to book tickets for the Ceilidh, head here.