Those coming out to celebrate can expect rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks and swirling ribbons in Stockport town centre
It’s time to dig out you handkerchiefs, bells and sticks because next week, more than 1,000 Morris Dancers will be heading to the Greater Manchester town for a huge day of celebration.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 April, Stockport town centre will be transformed into a stage for more than 60 Morris dancing groups for the Joint Morris Organisation’s National Day of Dance. Those coming out can expect rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks and swirling ribbons.
The one-day event is hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID with support from Stockport Council and Merseyway.
With the line-up now revealed, this one-of-a-kind event will feature a spectacular parade, hourly performances and a show-stopping Grand Dance finale.
Kicking off the excitement, a vibrant parade will set off from Viaduct Park at 10.30am, weaving its way through the town centre before reaching Market Place at 10.45am.
From 11am until 4pm, the town will come alive with rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks, swirling ribbons and non-stop dance action, with four dedicated performance zones located at Redrock & Suffragette Square, Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport Underbanks and Market Place.
Filled with a fusion of tradition and energy, with traditional Morris jigs, high-energy folk jam sessions, impromptu dance-offs and lively street performances, the day will build to a Grand Dance from 4pm until 5.30pm, bringing together the very best performers for an unmissable showcase outside Primark in Merseyway.
Then, to round off the festivities, a free Ceilidh will take place at St Mary’s Church from 7.30pm until 10.45pm, featuring a live folk band, a pop-up craft beer bar and delicious street food.
With doors opening at 7pm, tickets for the Ceilidh are free but must be reserved, and visitors are encouraged to book early.
The massive celebration is set to welcome thousands of spectators to Stockport’s streets too, which will be buzzing with activities from local shops, businesses and the community, including family-friendly craft workshops, shire horses, niche folk-inspired fringe events and fun giveaways including thousands of Morris-themed stickers and leather badges.
Shaun Freeman Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager said: “This event has just got bigger and better! With an unparalleled line-up of performances, an exciting new parade and a Grand Dance finale, this is a moment Stockport won’t forget.
“We’re keen to bring quirky and unique events to Stockport and seeing thousands of Morris Dancers hit the town’s streets is certainly going to be one to remember!”
Cllr Helen Foster Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, added: “It’s a real honour for Stockport to host this national celebration of Morris dancing, welcoming groups from all over the country to our town.
“It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of tradition, community and fun. It’s events like this that bring our communities together, fill our streets with joy, and make Stockport such a fantastic place. We can’t wait to see everyone dancing and enjoying this unforgettable day!”
Parade route and dance spots
The route the parade will take and the spots where you can find the difference performance spots can be found below.
Timings for A Day of Dance:
• Parade (10:30 – 10:45 AM): Watch the colorful procession wind through the town, starting at Viaduct Park and ending at the Market Place.
• Dance Performances (11 AM – 4:PM): Enjoy performances across Stockport’s dance spots, from Merseyway to Underbank.
• Grand Dance (4 – 5 PM): A showstopping finale outside Primark, Merseyway.
• Ceilidh (7:30 PM – Late): End the day with a lively ceilidh at St Mary’s Church.