Stockport Express – June 2023
I am so proud that Stockport was named as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2023 in May. This much-deserved award will bring further recognition to Stockport’s outstanding cultural assets and identity, as well as £50,000 to support arts and creativity in the borough. It’s no wonder that Stockport won this title. We already know that our town is an incredibly exciting and vibrant place to live and work, with thriving local music, arts and food scenes.
Blossoms are one of Stockport’s most recent and most successful musical exports. The band, now one of the biggest in Britain, are part of a rich musical tradition in Stockport. Strawberry Studios, the iconic recording studio established here in 1968, has been used by some of the UK’s most prominent acts, including 10cc, Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Paul McCartney. For those wishing to learn more about our town’s pop music history, the Stockport Music Map offers tours of Stockport via its notable musical sites.
Stockport’s music fans are well-served by the Underbanks, which are home to several independent record stores, as well as an abundance of independent vintage, homeware and clothing shops. SK1 Records is a gold mine for vinyl fans, and throws street parties during the summer months.
Stockport has an award-winning indoor market, which hosts a wonderful array of local traders. On the last Friday of every month, thousands gather in the market square for Foodie Friday. This hugely popular event offers delicious street food, craft ales and live music in the beautiful surroundings of Stockport’s Old Town. Foodie Friday has been a wonderful addition to Stockport’s social calendar, adding to the vibrant buzz of the town centre.
The Hat Works museum is a fascinating testimony to Stockport’s rich social and cultural history, as Stockport played a leading role in the industrial revolution and was central to Britain’s hatting industry. The award-winning museum is housed in a Grade II listed Victorian Mill and recently benefited from extensive refurbishment. Another important landmark is the Grade II* listed Plaza theatre, built in 1932. As the last venue of its kind operating in its original format, it is of international significance.
Stockport continues to be a unique hub of creativity and culture. I am immensely proud that this has been recognised with Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture award.
