Get ready for a massive, free, one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, extraordinary performers, banging brass bands, carnival fun and loads more as Stockport prepares to kick off the festive season in spectacular style. Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday, which last year resulted in the busiest Sunday on record in the town centre since 2019, returns this Sunday 17 November.
Featuring a brand-new line up for 2024, hundreds of captivating performers will take over the town centre for one-day only. From giant roller-skating presents, a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls to mesmerising street theatre including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and a water show which turns members of the audience into human fountains – visitors can enjoy more than 50 free shows and activities throughout the day.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from 11am – 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations including Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway, bringing together the brass bands of Stockport, will end the day with an unforgettable flash mob and stirring rendition of 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.”
For more info and the full event programme head here.