Stockport can do no wrong at the moment, what with it being voted the best place to live in Greater Manchester, and all the wonderful new openings that are making it the place to be. Now, the fantastic family favourite Stockport Paint Jam is back, and on an even bigger scale following last year’s success.
Taking place on Sunday 22 September, this free family-friendly festival is set to transform the town centre into a vibrant street art playground with over 50 of the UK’s hottest street artists in action.
Organised by GRIT Studios and Jay Sharples, in collaboration with Totally Stockport, this year’s festival is extending into the heart of the town centre for the first time, with street artists creating a 1km walking tour from Merseyway Shopping Centre to Little Underbank and Hopes Carr to the festival hub and home of GRIT Studios on Canal Street. Expect walls alive with colour, beats from top DJs, skateboarding, break dancing, street food and more.
This year’s artists include AKSE P19, Qubek, Hammo, Liam Bonini, Minto, Caroline Daly and Kelzo.
Key Areas to visit during Stockport Paint Jam:
- Canal Street – home to the main festival hub with 20+ street artists, DJs, street food and drinks
- Hopes Carr – street artists, DJs and dancing
- Little Underbank – street artists, DJs, food & drink and workshops
- Merseyway Shopping Centre– more street art, kids’ art activities, breakdancing and a few surprises
The festival is completely free to attend but organisers are encouraging visitors to pre-book tickets here for updates on the latest info, artist details and any weather-related changes and to help them manage numbers on the day.
Local favourites including Bohemian Arts Club, Where The Light Gets In, The Spinn Off, Old Town General Store, Yellowhammer, The Landing, Runaway Brewery, SK1 Records, and more will be getting on in the action with DJs and pop-ups.
The brainchild of GRIT Studios and street artist Jay Sharples, last year’s successful debut saw over 1400 attendees, with over 25 new mural artworks created and featured DJs, food trucks and art-based activities.
John Macauley, from GRIT Studios said: “Stockport Paint Jam is a rare opportunity to see the country’s top street artists at work, creating something really special in our town centre that we can all be proud of.
“With more street artists, a wider footprint and a whole host of food and drink and additional activities set to take place, it’s going to be a great day out, with lots to see and do, and at the end of it, it will have also created a well-defined cultural corridor, bursting with world-class street art!”
The festival is also looking for volunteers to help make the festival a hit. Head to the website to either register for a free ticket or to sign-up as a volunteer – and get a free t-shirt!
Stockport Paint Jam will take place between 12pm-5pm on Sunday 22 September.