Stockport town centre hub hosts three-day party for first anniversary
Stockroom is preparing to host a massive three-day festival from May 22 to May 24 to celebrate its first full year as the cultural heart of Stockport, having recently welcomed its millionth visitor. The milestone event features a diverse programme ranging from a high-stakes cake competition to inclusive disco sessions, marking 12 months since the venue transformed the local community landscape.
Since opening its doors in the Merseyway Shopping Centre, the space has evolved from a regeneration project into a daily destination for thousands of residents. The upcoming anniversary weekend is designed to reflect this variety, offering a mix of ticketed performances and free drop-in activities for all ages.
Weekend schedule of music, bakes, and community dance
The celebrations begin with a focus on inclusivity before ramping up into high-energy party games and creative workshops. Residents planning to attend specific sessions, such as the storytelling or the cake competition, are encouraged to register in advance due to high anticipated demand.
| Date | Event Highlights | Time & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 22 May | Dementia Disco | 5pm – 7pm. A supportive dancefloor for those with dementia and their families. |
| Saturday 23 May | Stockroom Cake Off | 11am – 12.30pm. A birthday-themed baking competition for all ages. |
| Saturday 23 May | Massive Musical Statues | 2pm – 3pm. A giant game taking over Merseyway with prizes. |
| Saturday 23 May | Guilty Pleasure Disco | 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Hosted with Creative Women (£3 entry). |
| Sunday 24 May | Storytime Specials | 11.15am (Under 5s) & 12pm (Ages 5-7) with Jan Blake; 2pm with Nihal Arthanayake. |
| Sunday 24 May | Live Jazz & Neo Soul | 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Performance by Midnight Matters in the Living Room. |
Sunday also features a Qi Gong taster session on the Stockroom Balcony at 11am and “Party Puppets” workshops led by Caroline Coates throughout the afternoon.
A year of impact: 55,000 books and 11 million visitors
The first year of Stockroom has been defined by significant data milestones that highlight its role in the wider regeneration of Stockport. The venue contributed to Merseyway Shopping Centre’s busiest year in 2025, during which footfall surpassed 11.4 million.
Internal records show that Stockroom has become a vital utility for the town. Over the last 12 months, visitors have borrowed 55,323 books and attended 226 different creative events. The venue’s cafe has also become a social staple, serving 44,507 hot drinks, with the latte remaining the most popular choice among local residents.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, noted that the space has quickly become a part of everyday life where students, families, and retirees feel equally welcome. The project has already gained regional recognition, receiving a high commendation at the Greater Manchester Building of the Year Awards and a shortlisting for the National Revo Awards 2025 for its approach to repurposing urban spaces.
Upcoming exhibitions and creative events for Summer 2026
While the birthday weekend marks a major milestone, the venue has already confirmed its schedule for the coming months. In June, the focus shifts to local heritage and independent publishing.
On June 3, “Creative Women” will host an evening featuring Caitlin Atherton and Suzanne Bethell, celebrating local female leaders in the arts. This will be followed on June 13 by the Stockport Zine and Print Fair, a dedicated market and workshop event for independent creators.
One of the most anticipated additions to the 2026 calendar is “The Marvel from Marple,” the first major exhibition dedicated to the work of Alan Boyson. The Marple-born artist is responsible for some of the UK’s most iconic post-war public murals and ceramics. Later in the autumn, the “Subtext” project will launch as part of the National Year of Reading, inviting artists to explore hidden narratives within written words.
Source: Stockport Council
Comments