Stockport town centre recorded one of its busiest Sundays of the year last weekend (Sunday 16 November).

More than 50,000 visitors came to the town centre and saw the Spectacular Sunday event, a huge free street festival featuring hundreds of performers.

Merseyway shopping centre reported a whopping 115 percent increase in footfall compared to the previous Sunday.

Spectacular Sunday was described by Merseyway as "one of Stockport's most successful large-scale events in recent years", creating "an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors and businesses alike".  

There were around 50 different acts on the day, bringing live music, dance and theatre to Stockport.

Morris Dancers also brought some merriment to Spectacular Sunday (Image - Merseyway Shopping Centre)

Among the popular performers on the day were the mischievous Cocky Robins, Ski Sunday, Christmas Belles and Bouncing Snowmen, who strutted through the town delighting young and old visitors alike.

L'Hotel brought the raucous laughter with their performance of Le Cabaret, while groups like Mr Wilson's Second Liners and the Song Space Choir brought some top musicianship to proceedings.

Meanwhile, the UK's smallest nightclub - Miniscule of Sound - was brought to The Underbanks, delighting dancers.

And a short stroll away in Suffragette Square were the high-energy Dancing Robots, who lit up the space with futuristic beats and provided plenty of photo moments.  

Performances included live dance, theatre, music and more (Image - Merseyway Shopping Centre)

Cllr Dan Oliver from Stockport Council said: "Spectacular Sunday is proof that Stockport does Christmas differently. Yes, we have the festive magic, but we also bring creativity, culture and performance right onto our streets. It was brilliant to be there in person and see thousands of people come together for something bold, joyful and uniquely Stockport. 

"This way of kicking off Christmas is really striking a chord. We've seen a 20% increase in visitors year-on-year since 2023, with families, friends and visitors to Stockport town centre experiencing something you simply don't get everywhere else. 

"The atmosphere was incredible: street theatre, live music, giant puppets and festive pop-up performers at every turn, all completely free and open to everyone. Spectacular Sunday is fast becoming a must-see moment in the calendar, boosting footfall and giving real energy to our local businesses and cultural venues like Stockroom.

"Events like this show the strength, pride and creativity that's driving Stockport forward and I want to thank everyone involved for making it a day to remember." 

Performers brought live music, merriment and more to Stockport town centre on Spectacular Sunday (Image - Merseyway Shopping Centre)

Mark Ross, chief executive at Totally Stockport BID said: "Stockport has always embraced a quirky and creative spirit, and this year's Spectacular Sunday showed exactly why that makes Stockport… Stockport!

"Working with our partners at Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Council, we transformed the town centre into a vibrant, creative playground that drew fantastic crowds and delivered a strong boost for local businesses.

"Creativity is key to Stockport's success, and we continue to support it when and where we can!" 

Victoria Nichol, centre manager at Merseyway and Redrock said: "It was incredible to see so many people coming into the town centre and filling Merseyway with energy and excitement.

Young and old visitors alike were delighted by the giant bees patrolling the Stockport streets (Image - Merseyway Shopping Centre)

"The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish, and the footfall was truly magnificent - a real reflection of how strongly the event resonates with our community and visitors. 

"As Stockport's alternative to a traditional Christmas Lights Switch On, this huge, daytime family event brings people into the town when businesses are open and trading, boosting footfall for our retailers.  

"It's also a truly collaborative effort and wouldn't be what it is without the whole town coming together.

"Working with Totally Stockport and Stockport Council to bring something unique and memorable to Stockport is a real privilege, and we couldn't be prouder of how wholeheartedly everyone embraced the celebrations."