The underpass at Stockport railway station has been transformed into a veritable art gallery.

The underground passage leading to the platforms is now decorated with dozens of new pictures celebrating Stockport's musical history.

Adorning the walls are artworks showing some of Stockport's own musical exports - including 10cc and Blossoms - plus others which commemorate a host of interesting musical episodes in the town's history.

Take when Jimi Hendrix played at Stockport's The Sinking Ship in 1967, or the night when David Bowie slept overnight at the station after missing his train.

The Purple Gang are also among the posters, the band who formed at Stockport College in the '60s and shared a studio with Pink Floyd as they recorded their hit single 'Granny Takes a Trip', which was banned by the BBC.

One piece also features Wimple Winch, who became the 'unofficial' house band at The Sinking Ship after an impressive stint on the Merseybeat scene.

The mini exhibition was created by Seven Miles Out Arts, a community interest company, with six artists taking on the pieces.

Funding came from Avanti West Coast, which manages Stockport railway station. The installation itself was managed by South East Manchester and Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership.

The pieces were officially unveiled at a ceremony on Thursday 26 March, with some special musician guests in attendance: Demetrius 'Dee' Christopholus of Wimple Winch; Joe Beard of The Purple Gang, and Pete Maclaine, singer with Pete Maclaine and The Clan and friend to The Beatles.

John Barratt, director of Seven Miles Out Arts, said: "As a proud resident of Stockport, this project means so much to me and the artists involved in bringing all this to life.

"Stockport's music scene is just one aspect that makes this town great and we're so grateful to Avanti and the Community Rail Partnership who have made this vision a reality."

Gillian Renshaw, Community Rail Officer said: "With the Brit and MOBO Awards held in Manchester for the first time, this feels like a timely project that really captures the heritage of Stockport and the significance it has to the music industry.

"Community rail is all about inclusion and connecting people to their railway. From The Beatles and Bowie to Blossoms, this is a true celebration of those sung and unsung heroes that played a key part to the area."

Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said: "This mural brightens up the station's underpass and creates a vibrant gateway for everyone arriving in Stockport by rail.

"It's a great addition to the station, which is already considered a cultural landmark, and captures the stories of those who have worked, visited, or performed in the area.

"We're pleased to have supported the community and local artists to celebrate the town's rich musical heritage. With its unique perspective, we hope the artwork will help people to discover something new and encourage them to explore more of Stockport's music scene."

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