Stockport town centre had its busiest day since May 2022 this weekend, as visitors flocked to the Morris Dancing festival.

The national 'Day of Dance' took place on Saturday 26 April, and attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

It represented an increase of 25 percent compared to the same Saturday in 2024. The only day that was busier in recent years was Comicon on 21 May 2022.

The Day of Dance saw more than 1,000 Morris Dancers descend on Stockport for performances across the town centre.

Dancers had come from across the UK and performed in merry jigs, impromptu dance offs, and much more.

Morris Dancers came to Stockport from across the country (Image - Echo PR)

The event was hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID with support from Stockport Council and Merseyway.

Shaun Freeman Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager, said: "This year's Day of Dance totally smashed it – over 1000 Morris dancers filling the streets with colour and energy was just brilliant! 

"You could feel the buzz everywhere and it was a fantastic boost for the town centre and our local businesses too."

Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: "It was wonderful to see Stockport's streets buzzing with life, filled with music, colour, and incredible dancing.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to see people of all ages coming together and enjoying themselves. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped create such a joyful and memorable day!"

Dances took place at various spots throughout the town centre (Image - Nub News)

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway, said: "The atmosphere in Merseyway on Saturday was absolutely amazing. The 25 percent uplift in footfall compared to last year shows just how popular this event was.

"It was wonderful to see families and communities coming together to celebrate such an iconic tradition – and we're proud that Merseyway could be at the heart of it all."

Rob Tidy from Adlington Morris Men said: "What an amazing day! More than 1,000 Morris dancers descended on Stockport from across England and Wales - some from our own cobbles, and some from over 200 miles away! 

"As well as the 60 plus visiting sides, thanks have to go to Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and all the local businesses and volunteers for their enthusiasm and for helping to make the day such a roaring success." 

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