The event transformed the town into a vibrant carnival, bringing a free-to-attend, family-friendly celebration to the town and marking the beginning of the festive season.
Proving to be a huge hit with families for a third year running, this year’s event, organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport BID, Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Market saw more than 50 acts outdoor shows take place across the town at Merseyway, Suffragette Square, Market Place, The Underbanks and Warren Street.
Merseyway reported a massive 115% increase in footfall compared to the previous Sunday with the huge turnout making this one of Stockport’s most successful events in recent years, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors and businesses alike.
Families enjoyed a lively programme of entertainment, including the mischievous Cocky Robins, Ski Sunday, Christmas Belles and Bouncing Snowmen, who quickly became favourites with children and parents. Outside Stockroom, L’Hotel drew huge crowds, with their riotous Le Cabaret performance having audiences laughing from start to finish. Outside STOK, the uplifting Song Space Choir encouraged passers-by to join in the joyful renditions of well-known favourites and festive tunes, while Mr Wilson’s Second Liners brought the spirit of New Orleans to the North.
The interactive bee installations, BEES!, located outside Stockport Market, captured imaginations and became a major hit with families, while the Underbanks experienced a flood of excitement for Miniscule of Sound, the UK’s smallest nightclub. Over in Suffragette Square near Redrock, there were plenty of performers, including the high-energy Dancing Robots, who lit up the space with futuristic beats and provided plenty of photo moments.
With a vibrant explosion of street theatre, comedic performers, live bands, talented dance troupes and towering giant puppets including a marvellous Bee, the excitement built throughout the day ahead of a spectacular 4.30pm finale parade, which brought the festival to an electrifying close.
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Culture at 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.”
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. 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.”