Stockport's tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture ends this year. But, rest assured, it will go out with a bang - a bang shaped like a weekend celebration featuring 50 different events.

The Town of Culture Weekender festival takes place from 23-24 March, and is described as "a fun-packed weekend of free cultural festivities and free access to must-visit venues".

Music, family activities, and shows will take place at 25 different locations across the town centre, including the rooftop park at the interchange, which will have opened by that date.  

A lineup of events has now been officially announced. Similar to the Spectacular Sunday event in November last year, visitors can expect a range of carnival-esque shows, such as a parade of giant animal puppets, or a grandpa comedy duo.  

A puppet from the Carinval of Animals parade, which will be part of the Town of Culture Weekender event (Image via Echo PR)

Some of the events include:

• Carnival of the Animals parade (Sat 23 March) - A stunning procession featuring giant animal puppets, starting from Viaduct Park at 12pm, 1pm, and 2.15pm.
• Company Chameleon (Sat 23 March) - a dance performance in St Peter's Square, following the journey of six people seeking refuge.
• Stockport Revealed (Sat 23 - Sun 24 March) - a pop up exhibition of artefacts from Strawberry Studios, taking place at Stockport Museum
• Stockport Sings (Sun 24 March) - a showcase of local choirs and voice groups at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery.
• Stockport Moves sessions (Sun 24 March) - Tai Chi, yoga, and more at Stockport's new green space, Viaduct Park.

Find a full programme of events HERE.

Visitors can expect a similarly exciting range of performances to last November's Spectacular Sunday event (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "It will be wonderful to celebrate the end of our town of culture year with such a big extravaganza in the town centre, with so much to keep the whole family entertained.

"We hope this event will showcase just what we have achieved this year. It's been wonderful to see residents and visitors enjoying all we have to offer culturally as a borough, whether going to an event or exhibition, shopping in the town centre or one of our district centres or enjoying a bite to eat.

"[...] We've shown that Stockport is on the up and the place to be, now and in the future."

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport said: "There will be so much to see and do over the Stockport Town of Culture Weekender. 

"So, save the date and make your way to the Town Centre to enjoy all the fun with your friends and family as we bring the curtain down on a fantastic year in Stockport with the Town of Culture Weekender."