STOCKPORT’S SPECTACULAR SUNDAY RETURNS WITH ITS BIGGEST FINALE YET
200+ performers, 50+ free shows, a parade of over 100 drummers and a Christmas lights switch-on to launch Stockport’s festive season in spectacular style
Stockport is getting ready for a spectacular festive takeover as Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday returns, bringing a sleigh-load of extraordinary entertainment, larger-than-life characters, live music and Christmas mischief to the town centre.
Taking place on Sunday 15th November from 12pm – 5pm, the free festive extravaganza will see more than 200 performers and over 50 shows bring the town to life, turning its streets and squares into a winter wonderland where the unexpected is around every corner and Christmas cheer comes with a generous helping of glorious mischief.
From a giant Snow Lion and a circus adventure that’s truly Over the Moon to a nightclub that proves big things really do come in small packages, this year’s programme promises a wonderfully wild mix of street theatre, comedy, music and festive fun. Add Brazilian-inspired drumming, a silent disco, a spot of Christmas kitchen chaos and some seriously splashy science, and you’ve got a recipe for a Sunday that’s anything but ordinary!
And just when you think things can’t get any brighter, Stockport is turning the festive dial up with a spectacular parade and Christmas lights switch-on at Merseyway at 4.45pm. With more than 100 drummers bringing the beat, expect a grand finale that will have the whole town marching to the same festive rhythm before the Christmas lights switch-on.
Organised in partnership by Totally Stockport, Stockport Council, Merseyway, Redrock and Stockport Market, with production by Global Grooves, the fourth annual event promises a day of free entertainment with a distinct Stockport twist.
FULL LINE-UP & TIMETABLE
Please note, dependent on the weather, some performers may flutter, jingle or stroll to new locations during the day or make an appearance at different times, but wherever you are, you’ll never be far from the fun!
MERSEYWAY
Carol Singing Crackers – Deck the halls and warm up those vocal cords! These festive songsters are ready to turn Merseyway into a chorus of Christmas cheer. No need to know all the words – just bring your best fa-la-la-la-la! 12pm – 12.45pm, 2pm – 2.45pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
The Festive Funnels – All the fun, funnelled into one festive spectacle! Expect a curious, colourful addition to the celebrations that’s sure to draw a crowd and turn heads. 12pm – 12.45pm, 1.30pm – 2.15pm and 3pm – 3.45pm
Make-up by Swank – Get your sparkle on and put your best festive face forward! Swank is bringing a splash of colour and a dash of Christmas magic to Merseyway. 12pm – 12.45pm, 1.30pm – 2.15pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Liver Cottage at Christmas – Forget your perfectly roasted turkey – this kitchen is serving up a recipe for festive chaos! Expect a Christmas cooking caper with plenty of laughs and a generous helping of culinary calamity.12pm – 12.45pm, 1pm – 1.45pm and 2.30pm – 3.15pm
Emily Flanagan – Picture this: Stockport, brought to life one sketch at a time. Local illustrator Emily Flanagan will be creating live drawings, capturing the creativity and character of a Spectacular Sunday.12pm – 4.15pm
Around the World with Phileas Fog, Day 79 – Forget your Christmas shopping list – this is a journey worth getting lost in! Join Phileas Fog for a wonderfully theatrical adventure where the world is your oyster and the next stop is… anyone’s guess. 12pm – 12.45pm, 1.15pm – 2.15pm and 3pm – 4pm
Eye of Newt – Double, double, festive trouble! Prepare to be spellbound by this curious encounter, adding a pinch of mystery and a dash of the unexpected to the town’s festive mix.12.15pm – 1pm, 1.45pm – 2.30pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Drum Machine – Forget pressing play because this beats with a pulse! Get ready for a rhythmic takeover as Drum Machine brings the noise and gets the festive energy pumping. 12.30pm – 1.15pm, 2pm – 2.45pm and 3.15pm – 4pm
Snow Lion – The king of the jungle is taking a winter break! Make way for this magnificent giant as the Snow Lion prowls into Stockport, bringing a larger-than-life spectacle with a serious wow factor. 12.30pm – 1.15pm, 2pm – 2.45pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Tinsel & Cracker – One brings the tinsel, the other brings the cracker – together, they’re a recipe for festive fun! Expect seasonal silliness and plenty of sparkle as these characters add a little extra pop to the party 12.30pm – 1.15pm, 2pm – 2.45pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Very Curious Contrivance – Curiosity didn’t kill the cat – it brought it to Stockport! Get ready to stop, stare and scratch your head as this unusual spectacle adds a wonderfully curious twist to the festivities.12.30pm – 1.15pm, 2pm – 2.45pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Over the Moon – Houston, we have a Christmas party! Buckle up for a circus adventure that’s out of this world, with extraordinary skills and cosmic surprises promising to send the excitement into orbit. 1pm – 2pm and 2.45pm – 3.45pm
Flat Cap Brass – Brass, beats and a flat-out good time! These lively musicians will bring a toe-tapping soundtrack to the festivities, proving that when it comes to festive cheer, Stockport is right on the brass button. 1.15pm – 1.45pm and 3.15pm – 3.30pm
MERSEY SQUARE
Steel Band – Steel yourself away for some seriously feel-good sounds! With irresistible Caribbean rhythms and sun-soaked grooves, the Steel Band will bring a little tropical heat to Stockport’s winter celebrations.12.30pm – 1.15pm, 1.45pm – 2.30pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
REDROCK
Flat Cap Brass – Keep your ears open and your toes tapping as Flat Cap Brass brings its lively sound to Redrock. It’s a short but sweet brass blast to get the party started. 12pm – 12.15pm
Conundrum Community Samba – No need to puzzle over where the party’s at, just follow the beat! Conundrum Community Samba will bring infectious rhythms, big energy and a carnival atmosphere to Redrock. 1.30pm – 2.15pm and 3pm – 3.45pm
WARREN STREET
Ohana Community Arts – Ohana means family, and everyone’s invited! Celebrate community creativity and local talent as Ohana Community Arts brings its performances to Warren Street throughout the afternoon.12pm – 4pm
THE UNDERBANKS
Miniscule of Sound – Small room, big tunes. Step inside the world’s smallest nightclub, where the beats are big, the dancefloor is tiny and the party proves that size really isn’t everything. Just don’t bring your whole dance crew at once! 12pm – 4.15pm
Familie – It’s a family affair, with a twist! Keep your eyes peeled for playful encounters and unexpected street-theatre moments as Familie brings its own brand of entertainment to The Underbanks. 12.15pm – 12.45pm, 1.30pm – 2pm, 2.30pm – 3pm and 3.30pm – 4pm
Carnivalia by Katumba – If you can’t beat the beat, join the carnival! Katumba will unleash a riot of rhythm, movement and carnival energy, bringing the streets alive with the infectious power of percussion. 12.30pm – 1.15pm, 1.45pm – 2.30pm and 3.15pm – 4pm
STOCKPORT MARKET & MARKET PLACE
Juba do Leão – Juba do Leão brings vibrant Brazilian-inspired percussion and infectious rhythms to Stockport, serving up a musical celebration that’s impossible to stand still to. 12pm – 12.45pm, 1.30pm – 2.15pm and 3pm – 3.45pm
Hydropunk – Water you waiting for?! Dive into a world of pipes, pumps, sprays, puzzles and water-powered wonder, where ingenuity meets playful chaos. This hands-on spectacle invites curious minds to experiment, explore and get to grips with the science of making a splash.12.45pm – 3.45pm
Sid Bowfin’s Christmas – Bowfin’ brilliant festive fun is on the menu! Expect Christmas capers, seasonal surprises and a generous helping of mischief as Sid Bowfin brings his own special brand of festive entertainment to the Market. 12.45pm – 1.30pm, 2.15pm – 3pm and 3.45pm – 4.30pm
Silent Disco – Grab a pair of headphones and get into the groove as a silent disco brings feel-good tunes to Market Place. Enjoy a free boogie where everyone’s invited to the dance floor! 12pm – 4pm
WARREN STREET
Oldham Theatre Workshop Bubble – Bubble trouble has never looked so magical! Prepare for a little soap-and-spectacle as Oldham Theatre Workshop brings a world of bubbles and theatrical wonder to the Market, creating moments of delight for little ones and grown-ups alike. 12pm – 12.45pm, 1.30pm – 2.15pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm
THE GRAND FINALE: PARADE & CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Merseyway – 4.45pm
This year, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will round off the day with a new festive finale.
For the first time, the event will finish with a parade and Christmas lights switch-on at Merseyway, bringing everyone together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
With over 100 drummers filling the streets with rhythm, it’s a chance to gather, enjoy the atmosphere and join the countdown as the Christmas lights are switched on.
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is free to attend and is part-funded by the UK Government.
