In line with Stockport's Town of Culture status, the town centre is set for a 'bigger and better' Christmas festival this year. 

'Spectacular Sunday' will take place on 19 November from 11am-5pm. More than 60 shows and 220 artists will take to the town centre, spreading festive cheer from Market Place to the Merseyway. 

Victoria Nichol, Merseyway manager, described this event as 'unmissable'. "The sheer number and calibre of performers are on a scale not seen before in the town", she said. 

Visitors can expect marching bands, street theatre, live music, a host of costumed actors, comedy, carnivals, and more. 

A piano recital at Strawberry Studios (featuring aerial dance), a singalong at St Peter's bridge, a stall by Mr and Mrs Boon - these are just a handful of the events that visitors can look forward to. 

The event is organised jointly by Stockport Council, the Merseyway Centre, Totally Stockport (famous for organising the frog trail and Krazy Races) and Global Grooves, a carnival arts organisation. 

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "Our ever-popular Christmas event is even bigger and better this year to celebrate our Town of Culture status and to finish the year on a real high, with this free family-friendly event.

"Christmas is a magical time of year and our town centre will be transformed to bring some festive cheer to our many residents and visitors and showcase our fantastic town. This is the icing on the cake to a successful 2023 for our Town of Culture programme, which our local communities have really embraced, with so much more to come over the coming months."

Johnny Clifford, programmer, Global Grooves said: "Stockport's Spectacular Sunday will animate the town and celebrate its cultural diversity. 

"Sites across Stockport, from Merseyway to Market Place and The Underbanks, will come alive with a magical array of street theatre, carnival fun, live music and food. Expect thrills, spills and belly laughs, all adding up to a grand day out."

Rhys Owen, Totally Stockport BID director, said: "Totally Stockport is once again proud to be working with partners to bring another exciting event to Stockport town centre. 

"As Greater Manchester's Town of Culture, it's only right to offer some unique creativity to honour our incredibly creative town. This year's Christmas event is our biggest for many years and offers something different from a typical seasonal event.

"At a time when many families are struggling, the exciting programme of events will provide a dazzling variety of free entertainment throughout the day and attract visitors of all ages. 

"By bringing magical acts, live theatre onto the streets, we can attract huge numbers of visitors into the town centre and support our town centre businesses at what is a critical trading period. We hope to see many of you at Stockport's Spectacular Sunday!"

This is sure to be a Christmas festival to rival any medieval court, and will likely give some of the other local towns a run for their money. Head down to the town centre on November 19 and prove why 'Stockport isn't…' - you know the rest.

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