SINCE being awarded Portas Pilot funding in 2012 (a project set up by Mary ‘Queen of Shops’ Portas to help rejuvenate twelve English towns), a myriad of events have breathed new life into Stockport’s quaintest and quirkiest quarter.
Old Town’s three-day Fringe is the icing on the August pudding
Celebrating everything from crafts to Christmas, corsairs to Charles Dickens, Old Town’s cobbled streets have not only seen the openings of several studios and coffee shops but a varied timetable that caters to all.
Here's some of the best Stockport's revitalized Old Town has to offer...
THE VINTAGE VILLAGE
No matter what wickedness the weather has up its sleeve, this event is mercifully under cover so put away your brollies and get down to Stockport Covered Market for some fashionable finds at bargain prices. An Aladdin’s Den of veritable goodies (think costume jewellery, homeware, decorative items, furniture, textiles, luggage, toys, books, vinyl and collectables) there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy and you can even celebrate your perfect purchase with some great local grub from the likes of multi-award-winning Lord of the Pies.
If you’re feeling particularly naughty, grab a scrumptious sweet there too; alternatively, nip down to Seven Miles Out arts centre for their Tea & Cake & Rock & Roll event with Nicola from Wonderland Cakes (we’ve heard the chocolate brownies are legendary).
Second Sunday of every month, 10am-4pm
Stockport Old Town (credit: Jon McEvoy)FOODIE FRIDAY
Often coinciding as it does with other events throughout the year, Foodie Friday has seen themes spanning folk to Fringe but the feel-good staples of street food, craft beer and live music are guaranteed monthly. What better way to usher in the weekend? From wraps to baps, pizza to pancakes, there’s something for every palate and traders are ever-increasing.
Last Friday of every month, 6-9pm.
FRINGE FESTIVAL
Whilst we’re on the theme of cakes, Old Town’s three-day Fringe is the icing on the August pudding. With free workshops, street performances and live music spanning everything from ukulele to jazz, the Fringe tradition was truly cemented following the stellar success of 2014’s debut.
Events vary from year to year but generally include arty activities aplenty and the acclaimed Teenage Market.
Every August (dates vary.)
HANDMADE MARKET
Great for those who want to stand out amidst the mass-market factory fodder of today, this is a perfect opportunity to get your mitts on something a little different; whether that be jewellery, artwork or (you guessed it) creative cakes.
Like the Vintage Village, this takes place in the covered market so you can do your bespoke browsing without fear of getting sodden. Those Victorians weren’t daft.
There’s free local parking too.
Third Sunday of every month, 11am-4pm.
To St Petersgate (credit: Jeff Carr)If you can squeeze anything else in amongst that lot, a meander around this dynamic district is well worthwhile: home to renowned Strawberry Studios, galleries galore and deco diamond The Plaza, there’s loads to visit and you can even round off your stroll with a local pint from Robinsons Brewery, who also run tours. Visitor information can be found in Staircase House (the town’s oldest, whose attractive Jacobean staircase provides the centrepiece of an interactive museum).
Nearby there’s the award-winning Stockport Air Raid Shelters, historic Hat Museum and Vernon Mill artist’ collective; a former cotton mill which has housed renowned artists such as Charlie Shiels, whose distinctive depictions can still be seen in iconic Manchester watering holes like Dimitri’s.
