Totally Stockport Magazine Issue 17

Issue 17 FREE

FOOD & DRINK SPECIAL! SHOPPING

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DINING

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WHAT’S ON

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NEWS

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COUNTY

Welcome Hello summer!

Well, those were a hot few days we had in mid-July, I hope everyone stayed hydrated! There’s certainly no excuse now that Stockport has an ever-growing fantastic choice of bars, restaurants, cafés and bistros.

There are so many places to go for great coffee, a healthy lunch, luxury afternoon teas and gorgeous dinners so we’ve included an 8-page pull-out ‘Taste of Stockport’ for you to keep. Who better to meet up with in the sunny season than Katrina (from the Waves) who chats to us about what she’s been up to since her she was Walking on Sunshine back in the 80’s. Are you set for summer? Check out some great summer buys – shades, sun hats and sandals – all available now in your town centre shops.

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The latest from the heart of Stockport

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Fashion Bits and bobs for the beach

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New Openings The Light Fantastic

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A Taste of Stockport An eight page special showing off some of the bars and restaurants that have opened since our last issue:

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Afiyet

Bask

Yellowhammer

Bistro Marc

The Town Bar

Cherry’s Boba Shop

Spinn Off

Inner Vision

News Stockport County’s new kit unveiled!

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Art Battle Debenhams ressurected for a night of art

What’s next? A couple of ‘firsts’ for Stockport!

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September will see the first Art Battle take over the former Debenhams store – an exciting evening that will see 10 artists battle it and YOU decide who takes the winner’s crown! They’ll be art, music, food & drink as well as some unexpected shenanigans and entertainment

What’s On A listing for the next three months

Get In Touch If you have a story, news or an event in Stockport Town Centre why not drop us a line?

And next May, the craziest event so far is coming to town. Krazy Races are here with their zany, crazy, soap box racing (homemade Go-Karts / Pram racing for those of a certain age)!

The Totally Stockport team.

Interview Katrina on Sunshine and Eurovision

In May, all the Superheroes descended on the town centre for Comic Con, the biggest event we’ve ever hosted. If you were here, see if you can spot yourself on the Comic Con gallery on pages 6&7. If you missed it this year – nearly in the words of one Superhero – “we’ll be back” - look out for news of the next Comic Con in 2032.

Enjoy the read and have a great summer.

Comic Con All the action from Stockport’s biggest event

We’re all for great, fun, family events!

There’s hardly been a better time for us all to get active and healthy. June saw the town centre burst into life for an active family fun Sunday: StockSport – a cycle & running festival – attracted huge crowds. Over 400 runners competed in the My First Mile, 5K & 10K races; crowds were wowed by stunt rider Danny Butler and his team from Extreme Mountain Bike Shows, Thai boxing, fastest spin time, back of the net with Stockport County Community Trust and spin bowling with Lancashire County Trust – find out more on pages 4&5.

News

www.totallystockport.co.uk paul.taylor@totallystockport.co.uk Tel: 0161 537 9382

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@totallysk

Totally-Stockport

News

Back of the net!

StockSport a Runaway Success

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he town centre buzzed with activity as thousands of people visited StockSport, in the heart of the town centre last month. Over 400 runners laced up to take part in the running festival.

The day got underway with Vernon Bear kicking off the My First Mile race, which was a real celebration of all ages coming together to take on the challenge.

The crowds were wowed by the stunt stylings of Danny Butler’s team at the Extreme Mountain Bike Shows and a traffic free environment proved a hit with those on two wheels, with opportunities to try out a range of different bikes including adapted and electric bikes. Visitors embraced the many challenges available from fastest spin time, to pedalling their own smoothie, while others learned to spin bowl with Lancashire County Trust.

The children’s activities proved popular with some epic tug of war battles, penalties scored, and coconuts thrown, in the ACE Children’s zone. People went home with some new skills and a smile on their face after trying their hand at Vinyassa Flow Yoga, Zumba, boxing and Muay Thai boxing, with some great local providers, BOOST and Master Sken Academy.

News

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New life for former M&S building in Town Centre

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nvestment and development company Glenbrook has completed its works at STOK, the former M&S building on Prince’s Street, and speculatively developed 62,000 sq ft of office space in the heart of Stockport town centre.

Interior design consultancy Incognito and contractor City Build have designed and delivered STOK, which has achieved an EPC ‘A’ rating and is now ready for occupation.

STOK boasts large open-plan office suites designed with flexibility in mind and the ability to subdivide into smaller suites if required.

The space can be configured to accommodate businesses of all sizes offering suites from 4,779 sq ft through to the full 62,051 sq ft across four floors, including a lower ground floor space.

The heart of the building is designed around a large central glazed atrium to take advantage of natural light and is fully accessible with two 9-person lifts as well as secure cycle storage, showers and drying facilities to encourage active travel. On the second floor a large outdoor terrace has been delivered to provide room for people to interact and socialise, a space which also offers views across the historic heart of Stockport town centre.

The building has a 5,000 sq. ft retail unit in a prime location within the Merseyway Shopping Centre and is on the doorstep of the Underbanks Conservation Area in Stockport’s historic heart.

STOK was one of seven projects in Greater Manchester to be selected for a £3.5million grant from the Government’s Get Building Fund, which aims to expedite the delivery of key projects across the Greater Manchester area.

Commenting on the completion of the building Chris Lloyd, Investment Director for Glenbrook said: “We pledged that STOK would be a game-changer for Stockport and now that it is completed, we believe that we have really delivered on that promise. The ultra-modern building provides much needed, flexible office space, right in the heart of Stockport. With the pandemic accelerating changes in office use, our project delivery and design teams have made several improvements to maximise air flow.

“The Government funding allocated by the GMCA has helped us to deliver an office scheme of exceptional quality here at STOK and we are proud to be contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Stockport town centre and providing a new lease of life for this

superb building.”

Andrew Timms from Edwards & Co., joint letting agents for the scheme with CBRE, continued: “The transformation of this former retail store into a modern, dynamic office space is spectacular and has to be seen first-hand to appreciate the revitalisation of the building, so we are planning a number of events to show local business and commercial property agents the space. There is nothing like this in Stockport and it is indeed a real game-changer for the town centre.”

Comic Con festival of Superh T

housands of visitors descended on the town centre to marvel at all their favourite Comic Con Superheroes when Totally Stockport’s Comic Con, a truly out-of-thisworld, phenomenal family fun day out for comic, TV and film fans of all ages, landed in Stockport town centre.

Fans of all ages practised their power moves as the superheroes formed part of a nine-location trail across the town centre. They hung out with BATMAN – ‘he’s the hero Stockport deserves’ - and his Batmobile, probably the most iconic vehicle in Hollywood movie history. Or was that The A Team’s 1983 GMC Vandura van with its characteristic red stripe, black and red turbine mag wheels, and rooftop spoiler.

Families walked with giant dinosaurs in St Peter’s Square’s Jurassic Park. Did you see Market Place ‘TRANSFORM’ before your eyes? Was it an optical illusion? No – it was Optimus Prime - a Cybertronian, fictional extra-terrestrial species, configuring modular robotic lifeforms!

It was great to see so many children transformed into superheroes for the day at Merseyway. Hundreds of capes and cuffs were snapped up before snapping a selfie at the superhero photo station. May the force be with you – the light saber classes were as a sellout and toes were tapping as hundreds of fans boogied on down with Boogie Storm.

The Star Wars zone at Redrock was a huge hit – did you spot Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers roaming around?

Or the X wing star ship? Or perhaps you preferred Dr Who’s TARDIS and the Daleks.

And finally, we’ll be back! Watch out for news of Comic Con 2023!

News

heroes a BIG hit in Stockport

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Interview Along with ‘the Waves’ she was responsible for one of the most iconic songs of the 80s and is a member of a very exclusive group of British acts who have won the Eurovision Song Contest. Ahead of her visit to Stockport, Katrina Leskanich spoke to Strawberry Radio about her life and times.

I didn’t know anything about Eurovision so when the song was chosen I was given a stack of tapes of previous competitions and I spent days watching them and ended up thinking “What in the blazes is this?” The songs didn’t so much grow on you as lose their offensiveness

You were born in America, was it Kansas?

Yes Topeca, Kansas. My father was stationed at Forbes Air Force base so that’s how he came to be there and my mother was born in Kansas and they met on a blind date on St Patrick’s Day and the rest is history. People didn’t mess around back then. They met and said, well, let’s get married.

And I lived in about eight or nine states in America because, as any military brat knows, you move around every year or two. Then we went to Germany and Holland and came to England in 1976.

song that could have been a hit in the 60s, 70s or 80s.

It was very influenced by Motown. It was very influenced by You Can’t Hurry Love in fact.

The bands first album was self-funded, did that have Walking On Sunshine on it?

It included a very, very raw version of it, there were no horns on it. We used to do a full tour of the RAF clubs and the American Air force bases. For the Americans we’d play cover versions of bands like ZZ Top, Heart, Pat Benatar, that kind of thing and for the British we played a lot of 60s music. But when we played Walking On Sunshine it was a dance-floor emptier. They didn’t And it was a big family, you have four sisters and a know how to dance to it. And people still don’t know brother...are you all still in touch? how to dance to it. I’ve never seen such ugly dancing Well those of us who are alive, sadly a couple... Is it in my life than when I perform Walking On Sunshine. wrong to say ‘fell by the wayside’? I don’t like to say People just jump up and down. So we were going to died. No longer with us. But yes, a typical Catholic family, my parents just kept cracking them out. I mean drop the song because we didn’t see that it had that much value. However it was one of those songs that I can’t imagine having six kids. I was right in the midhad an annoyance factor that we thought could lead dle so it was quite hard to eke out some attention for myself which is probably why I asked my parents for a to great success. And it was also very purposeful, guitar and ended up in the music business. And when talking about love and sunshine. It obviously had something. And after The Bangles covered Going Down you move around from state to state or country to country it’s difficult making new friends but if you had To Liverpool [which Katrina & The Waves had written] we were then ‘discovered’ by Capitol Records and they a guitar it was a good ice-breaker. People would say “Can you play that?” and I’d say “yeah” so I’d spend my got us in the studio to re-record a lot of our old stuff. lunch breaks playing - very badly - Cat Stevens, Carole We were given a producer called Scott Litt who went on to produce The Indigo Girls, Nirvana, R.E.M. He was King, Fleetwood Mac, all the stuff that was hot at the a very talented guy but Walking On Sunshine was his time. first hit.

We sent out a demo with four songs on it and Walking You started out in a covers band called Mama’s On Sunshine was the fourth one on it but all the AmeriCooking which became The Waves in 1982 what sort of music was influencing you at this point? Well in the can DJs listen to the demo and said “It’s the Sunshine song, that’s the one!” Because it started with this little early days I loved my mum’s record collection, Mama drum intro which the DJs could talk over “It’s a beauCass, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Glen Campbell, Elvis. So I picked up a lot from that and later on it was tiful day here in Cincinnati” It was perfect to start the day to or have a wedding to, or any kind of celebration. all about Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and then I got into the girl groups, Motown esAnd the rest is history it was a hit across the world pecially. I was drawn to anything with a great melody and I’ve read that it’s been broadcast over two and half and a prominent tambourine, which is what Motown million times in America. seemed to be all about. Diana Ross - you hear that I’m not counting but I’ll take their word for it, it’s used voice and you know it’s Diana Ross, smooth as silk.

And the production on those records, the songs them- for an awful lot of things. They use the songs to sell anything from incontinence trousers - seriously - to selves, the whole process, Berry Gordy - it was just a antihistamines. It’s been in lots of movies, Look Who’s magnificent time for music.

Talking, American Psycho? I didn’t see it being in that!

And it still sounds fresh today and I think it will still It must have been a very exciting time. sound fresh in 50 year’s time.

Yes because I never knew what was going to happen It’s timeless. When we were making our first records next. I went from being a dishwasher at a chow hall we wanted them to be timeless. We made Walking on base, Vince drilled holes in bowling balls, Kimberely On Sunshine in 1985 but it sounds nothing like an was a postman and Alex worked at a mortuary, carry80s song, apart from the fact it was produced at The ing dead bodies around. You know drummers, they’ll Power Station in New York and the drum sounds is do anything. So were a band and we had a hit. And we pure Power Station but we wanted it to sound like a

Katrina

Interview

(of the Waves)

sort of felt the hits would keep coming and we spent the next three years of our lives chasing the success of Walking On Sunshine.

Do you ever get bored of singing it?

No, never! It’s the safety net, it’s the one I look forward to doing the most. Of course, I put it at the end of the set because if I put it at the beginning they all film me and bugger off. It’s the perfect song to end anything.

And 12 years after that came your landslide victory in Eurovision and it’s now the 25th anniversary of it.

What are your memories of that?

I remember feeling very positive about the song but also being told by everyone that we couldn’t possibly win because of the political voting but in a way that kind of took the pressure off. I didn’t know anything about Eurovision so when the song was chosen I was given a stack of tapes of previous Eurovisions and told to sit down and watch them. So I spent days watching them and ended up thinking “What in the blazes is this?” The songs didn’t so much grow on you as lose their offensiveness. So I saw the potential for almost any song to win but it seemed that if you come hot with a song that’s rousing, anthemic, feel-good and you deliver it on the night and connect with some of the Zeitgeist at the time - remember the UK was Britpop, things can only get better, Oasis, Tony Blair - there was a buzz about the UK and the competition was in Dublin - talk about a party atmosphere - and that helped with the votes and that vibe in the room...

It was on fire. People were saying “You can’t win, don’t get too excited, just drink more Champagne. There, there...” But low and behold...

And then you had to go out and perform it again.

Well I didn’t remember that bit about it, it was total chaos, wrong words we sung, out of tune, out of time but it really didn’t matter. Nobody was sitting down, they stormed the stage.. What a party. And it’s still going on today. Seriously, there’s an incredible buzz around the whole thing.

You’ve brought us to the present day so there’s the new single, Holiday and a new album as well, called Hearts, Loves and Babies. What’s that title about?

I just felt that after two years of being off stage and not being able to do my job was too much to bear, I had to do something worthwhile with it so along came the album. It’s always a very anxious time when you sit down to write material but when you do it’s very rewarding. Some come very quickly and some you abandon because you’re not feeling it. So the title, well my producer, who’s very technical, put all the lyrics from the album into some algorithm and he said “Do you want to know the words you use most in this album?”

I said “go on..” He said “Hearts, Loves and Babies” I said, “Great, that’s the title of the album.”

As for the single, I knew there was going to be a come back of sorts after the pandemic and I wanted to come back with a song that’s rousing, uplifting, anthemic, fun, joyful and easy to sing. And that’s how Holiday was born.

When we first played Walking On Sunshine it was a dance-floor emptier. People didn’t know how to dance to it and they still don’t. I’ve never seen such ugly dancing in my life than when I perform that song

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Set for Summer Our pick of holiday accessories available, as always, from Stockport-based shops.

Office Birkenstock Milano Sandals £80.00

Tessuti Juicy Couture jacquard slides £45.00 ASDA Coral & Aqua Beach Towel set £6.50

Trespass Kids’ straw trilby £8.99

Claire’s Rainbow Daisy Bum Bag £14

New Look Vintage Vibes White Oval Sunglasses £7.49

USC Tommy Hilfiger bumbag £40.00

Fashion Matalan Hey Duggee Cap (3-6yrs) £3.00

Primark Towelling Beach Snuddie £14

Yours LTS Denim Blue Flatform Espadrilles £45.00

River Island Straw beaded cowboy hat £25.00

Bonmarche Cut Out Strap Detail Mules £24.00

Next Superdry Black 90s Bevel Sunglasses £40

Jake Roka Canfield backpack in burnt orange £69.99

Diechmann Rieker brown leather sandals £54.99

JD Sport Supply & Demand Audrey Sunglasses £18.00

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New Openings

The Light: Stockport’s Centre for Entertainment

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he Light Stockport has just got even better! A brand-new leisure area adjoining the cinema complex now houses 10 luxury bowling lanes, an arcade, interactive darts, karaoke, and American pool.

Following the incredible success of its 12-screen cinema and diner, the new additions offer something for everyone, delighting guests while attracting more visitors to the town.

Guests can order drinks directly to their bowling lane, enjoy a whole host of old and new arcade favourites including Daytona Championship USA, Down the Clown and The House of the Dead, sing their heart out to over 15,000 tracks in their karaoke booth, hit the oche with darts games for all skill sets, or catch up with friends over a game of pool.

The new leisure offer perfectly complements a stellar film slate with the likes of Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World Dominion, Lightyear, Elvis, Minions: The Rise of Gru and Thor: Love and Thunder all hitting their screens over the summer.

The venue’s kitchen will also continue to serve up a delicious range of handmade pizzas from pizza experts Fratellis as well as mouth-watering burgers from Pittsburger – the perfect place to meet, eat and drink.

For the latest news, events, movie releases and best prices, guests can sign up for a free myLight membership, or, for the real film lovers, The Light’s new paid membership, myLight Premiere allows guests to watch all the films they can handle plus get great discounts across the entire venue for just £15.99 per month.

James Morris, CEO said: “We are delighted to have extended our offer at The Light and to bring a whole new entertainment and leisure experience to the people of Stockport.

Whether you’re looking to watch a brilliant movie, share a freshly made pizza with the family, play bowling with friends, or sing your heart out in our karaoke, we’ve got something for everyone and can’t wait to welcome you.”

a TASTE of STOCKPORT

Afiyet Redrock

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dding to the already established European delights on offer at Pizza Express, Zizzi’s, The Light and Berretto Lounge, Afiyet’s menu is inspired and influenced by Turkish cuisines, in particular the Anatolian region. This region inspired the team at Afiyet to design a healthy home tasting menu, featuring quality ingredients to bring the Turkish vibe to Stockport.

No expense has been spared in bringing a first-class, exciting new dining experience to the heart of Stockport’s leisure district. The restaurant itself is stunning; the innovative interior design radiates exclusivity complemented by clever lighting to complete a high-end look. It’s a perfect blend of a warm Turkish welcome in beautiful surroundings – the perfect place to meet friends, eat great food and make memories.

The restaurant seats over 100 and there really is something for everyone on the menu, including mouth-watering steaks, an ocean of seafood, vegan and veggie dishes including mezze platters And if you just want to relax over a drink or two, take a seat inside or outside, everyone is welcome.

Their specialist dishes include Turkish flatbread from the stone fired oven and the legendary char-grilled meats. Open all day, including for lunch and dinner, their pick of plantbased meals, meat and fish dishes are presented with one purpose – food that’s delicious to eat with friends and good for the soul.

a TASTE of STOCKPORT

Bistro Marc 23-27 Little Underbank

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istro Marc – serving authentic French cuisine with a warm welcome

Located in Stockport’s iconic Winter’s building, Bistro Marc has opened to a fanfare of praise for its typically French-bistro style menu serving an array of favourite dishes. With its unique automated clock and figures, the building has a rich history within Stockport Town Centre and is part of the modern revival of the Underbanks area. Chef de Patron is Marc Molé. Born and raised in Paris, Marc is a classically trained French chef who has had a passion for cooking as long as he can remember.

Inspired by his grandmother’s ‘kitchen’ dishes, Bistro Marc’s menu offers good quality French traditional cuisine. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, lunchtime light bites include croissants and pain au chocolat and baguette sandwiches – eat in or take out – it’s your choice but don’t miss out on the atmosphere of Winters, it’s ‘tres chic’! Choose from the lunchtime fixed menu: two courses just £17.50 or savour the Al a Carte dinner menu – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Have a look at the full menus at bistromarc.co.uk

Yellowhammer 15 Lower Hillgate

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ellowhammer has definitely cooked up the unexpected in the old Tudor Café on Lower Hillgate. Behind the brilliantly recreated Victorian façade lies not only a fantastic artisan bakery, but also a pottery studio and a welcoming community space.

The result of a collaborative venture between award winning restaurateur Sam Buckley from Where The Light Gets In, baker Rosie Wilkes and designer potter Joe Hartley, this is something very different.

Open on Wednesday 10 – 6, Thursday & Friday 10 – 10 and Saturday 10 until sell out, there’s no need to book. Just walk in and choose from a variety of sweet and savoury bites, from mouth-watering sourdough to traditional French baguettes and leek and butter buns, to candied orange teacakes and marmalade cream buns.

But don’t expect this ambitious trio to rest just yet. Next on the agenda is to serve up some great tasting wines. Keep a look out for news of new bakes, ceramic shapes workshops and events.

a TASTE of STOCKPORT

Stockport always strives to deliver something unique. The latest businesses to join Stockport town centre’s gastronomic menu for great choice have delivered in spades, or more fittingly, in ladles. Already home to a thriving mix of quirky independents, the face of the Underbanks area of the town centre is rapidly changing.

Barely a week goes by when we don’t hear about a new bar or bistro, coffee shop or cocktail lounge looking to stamp their own mark on Stockport’s Little Soho.

Spinn Off 19 Little Underbank

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ne of the latest bars to take off on Little Underbank is The Spinn Off – the second created by business partners and best friends Adam Thomas and Scott Graham.

Following the success of their first Spinn bar in Gatley, The Spinn Off mirrors the original ethos but is developing its own personality and characteristics, more akin to a town centre venue. Emmerdale and Waterloo star Adam and Gatley born street food chef Scott describe Spinn Off as a ‘neighbourhood bar ‘specialising in craft beers, natural, organic wines, cocktails and superb pies!

Local beers include Thirst Class Ale from Stockport and from Manchester’s Runaway Brewery. The wine selection is overseen by Stockport Market’s wine maestro Wineboy and the pies are brought in from Stockport’s Patel’s Pies.

Town Bar

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new, upmarket, cocktail lounge bar on Lower Hillgate, spread over three floors, the uppermost being home to Stockport’s Poker League. If you ever wondered what Stockport’s famous ‘Harmony’ shop looked like inside, well, this is the building!.

26 Lower Hillgate

Bask 20 Railway Road, Stockport Exchange

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t’s not only the heart of the town centre that is attracting new bars and eateries. Over at Stockport Exchange, Bask has opened its doors providing a great new buzz and offering a warm welcome. Located just outside the station, Bask has quickly become a popular venue for business meetings, catching up with friends and unwinding with colleagues at the end of the working day.

Described as a new speakeasy-style bar and music venue launched by former music promoter Ben Taylor, Bask serves a range of fantastic local and worldwide beers along with stunning cocktails, with a backdrop of live music, DJs, comedy nights and events. Check out their Facebook page for news of their latest events, acts and music nights: facebook.com/thisisbask

Inner

a TASTE of STOCKPORT

Vision

61 Great Underbank

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new independent business has become one of the latest to bring new life to Stockport town centre.

Founded by Jordan Hirst and Jay Greenhalgh who are both tattooists by trade, Inner Vision Collective houses a unique blend in a new space based at 61 Great Underbank, Stockport. The shop offers great choice as it boasts a spacious coffee shop, tattoo studio, barber shop and a retail area for clothing. The coffee shop offers a range of items including iced coffee, cakes, paninis, toasties, hot drinks, smoothies and more.

The overall aim of the shop being to bring people from all walks of life together to work in an environment where there is no judgement or ego involved. The space has been decorated with an eastern twist to give the space a somewhat ‘temple’ vibe. A cosy sanctuary for self-employed barbers and tattooists to call home and a chilled environment for customers to come and socialise, read a book or work from their laptop.

Co-founder Jordan explained: “We like to think we have created something that currently is one of a kind in Stockport, and the Manchester area. We are not looking to benefit financially from bringing others here to work either; as a collective we want everyone to contribute to the rent and bills, that’s it. We want everyone here to grow in whatever way they desire in terms of their business.”

They currently have two barbers chairs and two tattooist chairs to fill. Anyone interested in finding out more, should email: management@innervisioncollective.com

Cherry’s Boba Shop 2 Brown Street

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ocktail creator and star bartender Neil Garner has dived into the wacky and wonderful Bubble Tea arena bringing his drinks wizardry to Cherry’s Boba Shop - the first of its kind in Stockport.

Launching on 1st July, Cherry’s Boba Shop offers Stockport’s teens, families and a super sassy younger crowd the most Instagrammable and incredibly cool creations in its new home, right opposite The Light at Red Rock.

The wacky Boba Tea creations have been designed by Neil and his crack team of cocktail megastars at Stockport cult-favourite bar, Cherry Jam. The new shop offers an incredible 10,000 possible combinations of bubble tea and the widest range of flavours in the UK! Neil commented: “The team behind Cherry Jam are inviting you to “fall in love with boba” with our award-winning cocktail ‘Cha-Tenders” mixing up delicious bubble tea cocktails and boba mocktails. We are so excited to introduce our incredible menu to Stockport’s families and teens - they have been created with the same flair as our cocktails and taste absolutely amazing. If Willy Wonka made boba tea, this shop would sell them all. What’s more, the shop itself is gorgeous and makes a great place to go for a pre or post-cinema treat for the town’s hip young crowd.”

The Bubble Tea menu includes Strawberry Shortcake; jasmine green tea, strawberry, golden shortbread and strawberry popping boba, Mango Cheesecake which fuses mango milk tea,

short rad, mascarpone cream, mango popping boba and shortbread crumble, Banana Split – a delicious mix of banana milk tea, hazelnut and cream, topped with rainbow boba and hundreds & thousands, The Elvis - peanut butter jelly strawberry milk tea, and Minion Banana Bang - pineapple fruit tea, banana boba and minion banana Jammie dodgers. There are also some cocktail inspired sensational serves on the menu, including Cherry’s Mojito - lime and mint fruit tea, fresh mint, cherry popping boba and Popstar Marteani - passion fruit and vanilla fruit tea with passion fruit popping boba.

a TASTE of STOCKPORT

Food & Drink Directory PRODUCE HALL Marketplace Dome & Base

Stone-baked pizza perfection

Kambuja

Authentic Cambodian street food with great vegan & veggie options

Mama G’s

Caribbean soul food with tons of flava!

Uncommon Ground

Shakes, cakes & everything in-between.

La Capilla

The Fish Inn Underbanks Traditional Fish & Chip Shop Rhode Island Underbanks

Lovingly crafted coffee Shop

This Godless Place Underbanks

Bar & Canteen offering tacos, grilled cheese. American burgers and more!

Tiamos Underbanks

Continental sandwich deli

Spinn Off Underbanks

Craft beers, organic wines, locally sourced spirits and handmade pies

Afiyet Redrock

Yellowhammer Underbanks

Tim Hortons Peel Centre Canadian chain selling premium-blend coffee and light fare like pastries & panini.

Cafe SQ St Peter’s Square Relaxed atmosphere, cozy space and top quality coffee

GDK Peel Centre

Enigma Petersgate

Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a large, stand-alone bar.

Kebab chain that also offers doner burgers, doner quesadillas and doner paninis.

The Cafe Place Prince’s Street

Traditional cafe with inside and outside seating.

Bakery and pottery that transforms in the evening to light bites and organic wines

Family run social bar

The Swan With Two Necks

Princess Street Traditonal Robinson’s pub with beer garden to the rear

Where The Light Gets In Churchgate

Pausa Cafe @ Dunelm St Mary’s Way

Tasty Tapas, prefect for sharing

The fine dining restaurant that put Stockport food on the culinary map

The Chestergate Chestergate Family friendly community pub serving great beer

Fat Louis

The Arden Arms Millgate

Petersgate Tap Petersgate Real Ale, Imperial Stouts, Real Cider, Local Gins and Bottle Shop

Nelson’s Tavern A6

Rosie’s Coffee House Princess Street

Speakeasy HQ with live music, DJs, local and worldwide beers and outfoor seating

Mexican food served street style

Poco Mas

Home to the famous Slopy Joe, Mac & Memphis burgers

Project 53 Marketplace

Craft Gin, Craft Beer and Pizzas

Plaza Cafe Mersey Square

Traditional hand pulled beers and hearty food

Cafe San Juan Petersgate

Columbian food, fresh roast coffee and fair trade

The home of afternoon teas and fine lunches since 1932. Licensed.

Rozafa Petersgate

Insomnia @ Primark Merseyway

Caffè Nero Warren Street

Family run greek restaurant

Chain outlet selling fair-trade coffee & hot chocolate, tea, sandwiches & pastries.

Coffee shop with a menu of light dishes & specially blended hot & cold drinks.

Blackshaws Kitchen Marketplace

Kaspas Peel Centre

Coffee, Cakes & Kitchen

The Calverts Court Petersgate Stockport’s Wetherspoons

Angel Inn Marketplace

local communty pub with a heart

The Edgerton Petersgate

Local pub offering affordable hearty food and drinks

Urban Kitchen and Bar producing traditional and contemporary British food

Dessert House serving sundaes, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and more.

Inner Vision Great Underbank Coffee, Ink, Hair & Piercing in one place

Grandads Prince’s Street

Costa Merseyway & Peel Centre

The Cocked Hat Churchgate

Good old-fashioned chip shop where you can eat in or takeaway.

Dr Feelgood Marketplace

Live music, comedy nights, and american style food

Glass Spider Vernon Street

Craft Beers and Flavoursome cocktails

The Mekong Cat Underbanks

The largest and fastest growing coffee shop chain in the UK.

Local pub serving a wide range of beers and cider with cask ales

Hillgate Cakery Underbanks

The Light Redrock Cinema and leisure space with pizza, burgers & more

Vegan licensed cafe and bakery

Aquila Nera Petersgate

Family run Italian restaurant

The Good Rebel Underbank

Cherry Jam Underbanks

Themed bar with delicious cocktails, good times and afternoon teas!

Authentic Southeast Asian Noodle House

Cozy independent bar with hidden bar garden

Laco Underbanks

Baekdu Wellington Street

Stockport grill house offering steaks, burgers, grilled chicken and more!

Holiday Inn Stockport Exchange

Pizza Express Redrock Pizza and Pasta restaurant chain

Friendly Coffee Shop on the Underbanks serving delicious healthy food

Bistro Marc Underbanks French Bistro

Zizzi Redrock Italian restaurant for pizza & calzone on wooden boards, plus traditional pastas

Korean Barbeque

Hotel offering quality breakfasts, lite bites and meals

Berretto Lounge Redrock

Our lounge is a home from home, offering delicious food and drink

Jungle Grill Princess Street

The Rectory Churchgate

A multi-roomed pub-restaurant attached to the Premier Inn

McDonalds Merseyway

Burgers, snacks and drinks

Hot and cold food, cakes, brunch and kids’ meals.

Welcoming and friendly pub

Bask Stockport Exchange

Bakers Vault Marketplace A real ale pub with regular live music and outdoor seating in the marketplace.

Queens Head Underbank

Small local traditional pub based on the Underbanks

Dal Barista Underbank Italian Bistro and brunch Café Notion Vernon Street

Self-styled dive bar serving a huge range of rum, whiskey/bourbon and cocktails

Coffee Island Mersey Square A wide range of hot and cold food as well as hot drinks, frappes and milkshakes.

Pizza Express Redrock Redrock Indoor and outdoor seating close to the Light cinema Porky’s Merseyway Merseyway

Providing quality sandwiches to Stockport for over 27 years

Windmill Cafe Edward St Pure Innovations run cafe in Stockport Homes. Closed Wed, Sat and Sun. Asda Cafe Warren Street

Classic dishes for breakfast & lunch along with options for a light bite.

Creams Café Prince’s Street

Chain outlet offering a huge range of desserts include vegan options

News

21

Stockport Events a winner at North-West Wedding Industry Awards C hadkirk Chapel, managed by Stockport town centre’s Stockport Events, scooped the top gong at the Wedding Industry Awards, securing another victory for the Town Hall based team.

Rooms in Altrincham where we were awarded Best Venue – in the ‘Other’ category for Chadkirk Chapel. That’s the top prize in that category for the entire North-West!

The team entered three popular Stockport venues into the awards and were delighted when all three were shortlisted. The shortlisted venues were:

“Chadkirk Chapel was first licensed for ceremonies in late 2017 with the first wedding taking place in 2018, and the business has grown year on year. It has been a tough two years for our industry so to receive this award feels particularly special this year. We are really grateful to all our couples that took the time to vote for us and chose our beautiful venue to celebrate their special day.

• • •

Best Venue (Historic) – Bramall Hall Best Venue (Historic) – Stockport Town Hall Best Venue (Other) – Chadkirk Chapel

The Wedding Industry Awards are judged by industry professionals and take into account client feedback, marketing collateral and the nominees’ offer, along with supporting factors.

Stockport Events’ Manager Vicky Eyre commented: “To be shortlisted for all three entries was a huge achievement.

The North-West Regional Awards were held at The Bowden

“Our sister venue Stockport Town Hall won Best Town/City venue just before the pandemic, so we feel really proud to be able to say that we have two award-winning venues within our portfolio.

“We are really excited to see what 2022 brings.”

Meeks Shoes -Putting Their Best Foot Forward for 121 Years L

ocated at 2 Warren Street, Stockport, Meeks Shoes opened their new light and airy store in April 2016 housing a fantastic range of footwear for ladies, gents and children. Providing all you need to support growing feet, the store provides easy access to their children’s department on the ground floor. Popular brands include ecco, Jana and Skechers - from slippers to slip-ons; trainers, golf shoes, wellingtons, sandals and boots, everyone can step out in their own style from Meeks.

Now run by 4th generation John Meeks and his sister, Meeks shoes was established in 1901 by John’s great grandfather Edward Meeks. He ran away from home at the age of 16 with just a shilling in his pocket and boarded a train to Ashton-Under-Lyne. Edward managed to get a job as a sales assistant in a shoe shop, in Ashton, and eventually saved enough money to start his own shop. He became very involved in the local community and was awarded Alderman of the town. John took over the business from his father in 1998 and in 2004 acquired another long-standing family business, Salter’s shoes, in Oldham. With other shops in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Sale and Alderley Edge the Meeks empire has has a firm foothold in this part of the North West The Stockport sale is in full swing, so pop in and grab yourself a bargain.

Open Monday – Saturday from 9.30am to 4.50pm

Squound Acquire Stockport Restaurant Named in UK’s Top 100 Stand-alone Premises

T

he Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards, seen as the most prestigious and coveted in the UK, have named Stockport’s Where The Light Gets In among the country’s top 100 restaurants.

Sam Buckley’s trailblazing Michelin star restaurant won the annual award for sustainability. Housed in the centre of Stockport in a former coffee warehouse, Sam’s restaurant launched in 2016 as a beacon for sustainability, harvesting food from its own land and from The Landing kitchen garden in Merseyway.

Working with local farmers, fisherman

and producers, Sam’s team create the menu which changes in line with availability. Diners don’t choose their dishes; they are dictated by seasonal produce and carefully designed to offer guests a balanced menu ‘that both nourishes the body and sustains our eco-system.’

The restaurant’s Kitchen Garden at the Landing is a community growing space encouraging community engagement in local food systems and increased biodiversity. And sustainability and wellbeing even extends to Sam’s team including weekly yoga sessions.

A

fter establishing themselves in the shared space of 20th Century Stores, Tim and Chris, collectively known as Squound, have moved into their own shop at 22 Little Underbank.

When we chanced upon Tim (right) with a paint brush in his hand the shop was an empty shell but Facebook updates since show the interior taking shape beautifully, with a 70s room set in place and some amazing Ercol and Danish-designed dining tables. If you knew them in 20th Century Stores, be prepared to see them showing off a lot more stock. If not, get to know them now! (The shop should be open by the end of July)

News

County have revealed their three new bespoke Puma kits for the new 2022/23 season as they make their epic return to the English Football League in style!

23

Stockport County celebrate return to EFL with new season Kit range

This season’s stylish home kit has a sleek v-neck, zig-zag pattern and sees the long-awaited return of the classic County white shorts

The remaking of a County classic, this season’s bespoke away kit takes us all the way back to 1978 with its beautiful blue and white striped design, with the VITA logo and updated Club crest bringing this fan favourite into the new era.

James Jennings appointed Head of Professional Player Support

F

ormer player James Jennings has been appointed to the newly created role Head of Professional Player Support.

The role will see JJ offer crucial support to all Stockport County players off the pitch, from 17-year-olds signing their first contract to seasoned pros. He will also be working closely with both the first-team and the Academy.

James has been heavily involved in all aspects of the Club over the last 12 months since having to retire due to injury, throwing himself into work in all departments to develop a real understanding of everyone’s roles and the demands each area of the Club faces.

Bright and bold, reflecting the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch, the fluorescent yellow third kit is another striking bespoke Puma design, completing a trio of iconic County kits to celebrate County’s return to the Football League. £3 from every Third Kit purchased will be donated to our charity partner, Beechwood Cancer Care.

James’ duties in his new job will include him welcoming and inducting new players into the Club, playing a key part in the integration of Academy players into the first-team environment and supporting the ongoing manage-

ment and development of players by ensuring they have access to all the off-field support they need. He will also act as an ambassador and liaison for the first-team, aiding in the utilisation of players for media, community and commercial activities. JJ will also be playing a key role in further upcoming player-related projects at the Football Club, more of which will be announced in due course.

2022/23 FIXTURES For a list of Stockport County’s upcoming home fixtures, please refer to page 29 of this magazine

Krazy Races Soap-box derby coming to Stockport

S

tockport is set to get a little wackier next year as Krazy Races comes to town on Sunday 28th May 2023.

Krazy Races is a free to attend soapbox derby event, aiming to bring all manner of races, wild and zany to towns & cities across the U.K and beyond while raising thousands for local charities.

Totally Stockport’s Krazy races is the first event of its kind to be held in the town, a nod towards the classic pram races of the past. The race route will be through St Peter’s Square, down into Mersey square past the iconic Plaza building, where racers will have to navigate a sharp right toward Stockport’s famous Air Raid Shelters. The event route will be made up of chicanes, obstacles and more with racers expected to be cheered on by over 15,000 visitors.

As well as fantastic races, Krazy Races are looking to work with local sponsors and businesses to bring together local entertainers, food stalls and more to give families a fantastic day to remember.

Applications are open for teams to enter with event organisers looking for between 20-40 teams to enter the race in a knockout style competition with multiple trophies.

Teams and spectators are encouraged to raise as much money as possible for charity and later this year the event will announce its official Totally Stockport Krazy Races headline charity.

In 2019, Krazy races took home the Noea award for best new event in the U.K and have come back with a bang in 2022 post pandemic bigger and more ‘Krazy’ than before.

So far this year the team have welcomed thousands of spectators in both Shropshire and Cheshire with the final

event of 2022 expected to be the biggest yet, when the team take over Wolverhampton City centre on Sunday 21st August.

Paul Taylor, BID Manager at Totally Stockport, said this is going to be a krazy event in more ways than one: “We are delighted to be bringing Krazy Races to Stockport in May next year. Our focus is to attract more people into the town centre who will support all the great businesses here. Krazy Races has already proved to be a runaway success in other towns and I’m sure will draw in huge crowds. We can’t wait to see how the racers will navigate the hilly route from the start in St Peter’s Square down to Chestergate!”

Information on how to enter can be found on The Krazy Races website: www.krazyraces.co.uk

News

25

One Stockport’s new volunteering campaign celebrates ‘Our Kind of Stockport’

O

ne Stockport, a joint initiative supporting local businesses, promoting wellbeing in Stockport and connecting our important communities, has launched a campaign to emphasise the importance and benefits of volunteering.

‘Our Kind of Stockport’ promotes opportunities to get involved and celebrates the good people doing great things throughout the borough.

Since the start of the pandemic, those in need within Stockport have benefitted from the generosity of people giving their time for free, to help others. But when many of us became unexpectedly isolated in March 2020, volunteering took on a new meaning as ‘new’ volunteers helped to better connect communities. People offered to do shopping and pick up prescriptions for their neighbours, helped deliver meals to those unable to leave the house. Even those who were isolating joined in by making friendly phone calls to others self-isolating and young people were walking dogs for those who were vulnerable.

Two years on and Stockport now has a dedicated Volunteer Hub of over 600 volunteers not to mention organisations such as Healthwatch, Arc, Walthew House, Beechwood Cancer Care and the many others, who all co-ordinate their own volunteers around the borough. My Kind of Stockport harnesses the great

spirit of our caring communities and opens the door to new volunteers.

You too could benefit from becoming a volunteer Helping others can have a positive impact for volunteers who generally feel happier, healthier, content and more confident. There are many different types of volunteering ranging from a regular weekly function to ad-hoc or one-off roles, from more formal positions to micro-occasional jobs. From working in a shop to managing a Facebook page, there are many ways to support our local charities - you can even volunteer without leaving your home!

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in and around Stockport so, if you are looking to get started, find out more at One Stockport and Stockport Volunteering Hub

Stockport Council to host Jobs Fair I

f you’re interested in joining the Stockport Council team, you can find out more by visiting Stockport Council’s Jobs Fair on 13th September from 11am until 6pm at Stockport Town Hall.

This fair will be an exciting and unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of exciting roles available both at Stockport Council and with their partners – everyone has a role to play.

They will be showcasing representatives from job areas including Adult and Children Social Care, Administration, Events and Digital Services. You are also invited to listen to the talks on offer along with help with CV writing and support to get back into work.

The Jobs Fair aims to give visitors the opportunity to speak to Stockport Council’s recruiting mangers, ask questions and find out more about the roles, employee benefits and what it is like to be part of their team. In some cases, you will be able to hand CVs directly to recruiting managers and even take part in an on-the-day informal interview.

There is no need to book in advance just turn up on the or send a Direct Message on their Twitter @JobsAtStockport.

BID

Iconic Debenhams Building to host Art Battle Saturday 23 September. 7pm-11pm

A

rt Battle Manchester is heading to the burbs. The opportunity to take over the iconic concrete block that is Debenhams Stockport, was too good to turn down.

In the first event since the store closed last year, after 45 years of serving top clobber to the people of Stockport, Art Battle will turn the building into a painty battleground for one evening only. It will be the first step as the famous building begins its next chapter.

Since it started in 2013, Art Battle Manchester has delivered 19 sell-out events, never using the same venue twice. They clearly have a penchant for bringing the off-beat lively event to stunning buildings, as recent venues include London Road Fire Station, Albert Hall, The Royal Exchange, Victoria Baths, Escape to Freight Island, and an array of historic mills and warehouses. They have never previously done battle in a shop, until now...

Art Battle Manchester 20 - Upbeat On The High Street - will feature ten new fearless artists taking centre stage. A capacity crowd will watch painters, illustrators, tattooists and street artists go head-to-head in what has been described as the city’s most energetic art event. With only 30 minutes to create a masterpiece - YOU will decide who is crowned Champion.

Co-Founder John Macaulay explained “We help turn artists into ‘art stars’ and the huge crowd - many of whom have never set foot in an art gallery - really play their part too. It’s art for the people, by the people.

“It was a no brainer to come to Stockport; there’s a thriving cultural scene and strong independent vibe. There will be a festival atmosphere on the night and some of Stockport’s top artists hoping for victory with home advantage” In addition to art, music, food and drink, expect some unexpected shenanigans and entertainment!

Tickets for Art Battle are £15 via Skiddle: skiddle.com/e/36119269

To find out more about how Totally Stockport is working for you and to find out how you can get involved, please email info@ totallystockport.co.uk or call the office on 0161 537 9382 Follow us on: Facebook - facebook.com/totallystockport Instagram - totallystockport Twitter - @totallysk

27

What’s On Every Tuesday 11am-12pm

Crochet, knit and craft

Stockport Central Library Bring along your knitting, crochet or craft to this free drop-in. Join this casual gathering and meet fellow makers, have a brew, and a chat.

From expert to beginner. Everyone is welcome.

Every Wednesday 10am - 12pm

Stockport County Community Trust social wellbeing drop in

Edgeley Park A weekly drop in on Wednesday mornings. Socialise with friendly staff and volunteers, make new friends, swap stories and reminisce!

Enjoy the refreshments, play bingo and take part in quizzes, as well as take a ground tour.

If you’re living with long term health and mental health conditions, experiencing loneliness, living with physical and learning disabilities, complex needs or dementia, you can come along and take part in stress relieving activities like gentle yoga, relaxation and body movement, and art therapy delivered by professional therapists.

Phone the Trust on 0161 266 2700.

Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road SK3 9DD Every Wednesday 8pm

Feel Good Comedy

Doctor Feelgood A regular comedy night at the recently opened Doctor Feelgood in the Market Place, featuring telly stars, touring comics and award winning acts.

Stockport Market Place, SK1 1EW www.ticketsource.co.uk/feelgoodcomedy £5 Every Thursday 10:30am - 11am

One Stockport Hub Storytime

One Stockport Hub A wonderful opportunity for children and their parents or carers to meet together on a weekly basis to share stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Suitable for pre-school children.

16-22 Merseyway, SK1 1RA Free Every Thursday 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Mindful colouring

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery If you have a busy life or just want to

disconnect for an hour or so, pop along to this free drop in session and sit amid some calming artwork and colour for mindfulness.

Materials provided.

Suitable for ages 16 and over.

Every Friday 10am - 4pm

Gardening session at The Landing

The Landing is a community growing space, based on the roof car park at the Merseyway Shopping Centre. It was designed and built by Where The Light Gets In and Manchester Urban Diggers, and provides produce for the restaurant as well as the local community.

Volunteer sessions take place every Friday, where you can learn the basics of organic growing principles and get involved in tending the garden. It is an oasis for re-connecting with nature, learning, growing and socialising in an unexpected space! Friday sessions are free, and all volunteers also get a free lunch cooked by the chef at Where The Light Gets In. To join as a volunteer, text Manchester Urban Diggers Mike on 07538 860 488 The Landing, Merseyway Shopping Centre, Great Underbank SK1 1PD

Sun 31st July 11am-6pm

Stockport Pride

Stockport Market Place Stockport Pride is back. More details will be announced nearer the event but expect market stalls, community groups, crafts, drag acts, musicians, food and drink. In the past the event has begun with a parade from Redrock to the Market Place.

Thu 4th August 7.45pm

ELO Again

Stockport Plaza ELO Again are back with their stunning ‘Re-Discovery Tour’ celebrating the truly universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.

Wed 10th August 7pm

Stockport LGBT+ PLUS: Big Monthly Social

CafeSQ The group’s monthly socials (the second Wednesday of every month) have moved to CafeSQ. Pop along for food, drinks, lots of laughing and chatting and the occassional quiz!

St Petersgate

Every Friday 10:30am - 11am

Thu 11th August 10:30am - 12:30pm

Stockport Central Library A wonderful opportunity for children and their parents or carers to meet together on a weekly basis to share stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Suitable for pre-school children.

Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road South, SK1 3RS Free

Arc Centre and Gallery From time to time we could all do with a little mindful mending of our wellbeing.

Photography can be a great way to give ourselves the boost we need.

Whether you’re a budding photographer or have never made a photo before, why not join a photo walk with photographers, Paul and Mark from Photo Mooch, and experience the wellbeing benefits of photography.

Meet at Arc at Hat Works at 10:30am.

The maximum size of the group will be 15 people.

Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South SK3 0EU

Central Library Storytime

Every Friday 2pm-3:30pm

Stockport Mind Choir

St Peter’s Parish Church Joining the Stockport Mind Choir can increase your confidence, be a lot of fun and help you to meet other Stockport locals. The choir takes place on the ground floor and there are no stairs. Hot drinks and biscuits are provided as well.The choir is free of charge, but a small donation is suggested, to help cover costs.

Call 0161 475 6229 to sign up to the group.

St Peter’s Parish Church, St Petersgate, SK1 1NZ

Photography for wellbeing

Sat 13th August 10am - 1pm

Organ concert at St Peter’s Church Stockport Plaza A free concert featuring organists Chris Lawton and Andrew Moody, and Pianist Louise Burchell.

Free entry. Come and go as you please.

St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Square SK1 1NZ

Sat 13th August 10am - 4pm

Stockport Makers Market

Stockport Market Place The Stockport Makers Market is back on the second Saturday of every month for a selection of the North West’s finest food, drink, art, design and vintage.

Featuring specially selected specialists, who source, grow, rear, bake, make, and create the products they sell. This makes sure their goods are unique, original and designed to inspire.

Sun 14th August 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Market Hall Quality authentic vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, vintage jewellery, homewares, decorative items, textiles, luggage, furniture, curios and collectables, and unexpected delights you never knew you wanted.

Plus classic vehicles and music from DJ Mike the Mod & Graeme. £2 Sun 14th August 4pm

Everything Stops for Plaza Birthday Tea

Stockport Plaza Join the Plaza team as they celebrate 90 Glorious Years in a fundraising ‘Everything Stops’ event organised by the amazing Plazarettes with entertainment, a delightful afternoon tea and a singalong to raise a resounding Huzzah for The Plaza for yourself, your friends and your family to enjoy.

Tue 16th August 11am - 12pm

Crochet, knit and craft

Stockport Central Library Bring along your knitting, crochet or craft to this free drop-in. Join this casual gathering and meet fellow makers, have a brew, and a chat. From expert to beginner.

Everyone is welcome.

Fri 19th August 10am - 4pm

Emergency Services Day

St Peter’s Square A day of activities in St Peter’s Square to support ambulance, fire and rescue, and police services in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police in Stockport will also be fundraising for local charitable organisations including Signpost Stockport for Carers, Stockport Together, Stockport Sea Cadets, Cradle and Handy Ladies.

What’s On

29

All the big events in and around the centre of Stockport over the coming months. Keep up-to-date with what’s going on at www.totallystockport.co.uk

Fri 26th August 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday

Market Place street food, craft ales and live music at Stockport Market from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month.

Free Fri 19th August 8pm - Late

Bowie Night

Doctor Feelgood DJ Dunc Taylor spinning you the very best of Bowie and co Stockport Market Place Free Sun 21st August 7pm

An evening with Liam Frost

Bask An evening with Liam Frost, featuring songs from throughout his career and in conversation with Jim Salveson of XS Manchester.

Stockport Exchange Square SK1 3SW £20

Four rooms with more than 40 inspirational talks, workshops and demonstrations.

Such as: sound healing, yoga, meditations, Qi Gong, mediumship, past life regression, Darshan healing and blessings The event also features a wide range of exhibitors and retailers.

169-171 Wellington Rd South SK1 3UA £4 Sat 3rd September 7.45pm

Sun 11th September 10am - 4pm

Northern Soul Live

Stockport Plaza Back for a 5th Year the Edwin Starr Band with Angelo Starr and Northern Soul Legend Lorraine Silver, this energetic and captivating show takes you through all the Northern Soul, Motown and Soul classics Sat 10th September 11am

Stockport Makers Market Stockport Market Place As Sat 13th August

Sat 10th September 10:30am - 12:30pm

Stockport Masonic Guildhall

Staircase House Jesmonite is a unique material, think eco

Jesmonite workshop

Sun 28th August 12pm - 10:30pm

Roughley’s Bike Show

St Peter’s Square Stockport’s liveliest charity fundraiser is back with a bang. St Peter’s Square will be transformed into a surreal village of bikes and bands as enthusiasts arrive from around the North West and beyond. There will be custom bikes and show cars on display as well as experts giving advice on all matters motorbike related. There’s a large bar on site and bands playing on stage right through the day.

Charities that benefit include National Association for Bikers with a Disability, the Together Trust and a number of other, local charities Entry is £3 uness you’re under 14 in which case it’s free, but the youngsters need to be off site by 8pm.

Vintage Village

Stockport Market Hall As Sun 14th August Tue 13th September 11am - 6pm

Stockport Council jobs fair Stockport Town Hall See page 22 for full details

Tue 13th to Sat 17th September 7.15pm Saturday Matinee 2.15pm

The Calendar Girls

Sat 3rd & Sun 4th September 10am-5pm

Mind, Body and Spirit event

friendly colourful concreate!

During this workshop artist Caroline Coates will introduce you to working with Jesmonite and you’ll make a little pot and a coaster. All your pieces will be ready to take home on the day.

All materials provided, including a wide range of colours for you to create your own unique pieces. £20

Stockport Plaza The Drama Dept Ltd are proud to present Gary Barlow & Tim Firth’s award winning musical comedy The Calendar Girls.

The musical tells the true story of Yorkshire’s own Calendar Girls, a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary.

Wed 14th Sepember 7pm

Stockport LGBT+ PLUS Social CafeSQ As 10th August

Sun 18th September10am - 4pm

Stockport Book and Record Fair

Stockport Masonic Guildhall The Book and Record Fair moved to its new home at The Guildhall in March and by all accounts it was a huge success. Parking is just £1and the bar is open.

169 Wellington Road South, SK1 3UA £5 from 9am.

Free after 10am

Stockport County Edgeley Park

Tickets for the new season are Adults (18+) £20 Students/ 65+ £14 Age 6-17 £7 Under 5 Free Sky Bet League Two fixtures unless otherwise stated Sat 13th August 3pm Stockport Co. v Colchester United Sat 27th August 3pm Stockport Co. v Swindon Town Sat 3rd September 3pm Stockport Co. v AFC Wimbledon Sat 17th September 3pm Stockport Co. v Harrogate Town Sat 1st October 3pm Stockport Co. v Walsall Sat 15th October 3pm Stockport Co. v Grimsby Town Tue 18th October 7:30pm Stockport Co. v Shrewsbury Town (Papa John’s Trophy) Tu 25th October 7:45pm Stockport Co. v Carlisle United Sat 29th October 3pm Stockport Co. v Sutton United

Key contact details The Hat Works

Wellington Mill Wellington Road South Stockport SK3 0EU 0161 474 2399

The Plaza

Mersey Square Stockport SK1 1SP 0161 477 7779

Stockport Central Library

Wellington Road South Stockport SK1 3RS

Air Raid Shelters 61 Chestergate Stockport SK1 1NE 0161 474 1940

Stockport Museum Staircase House 30 Market Place Stockport SK1 1ES 0161 474 4444

Google

What’s On Fri 23- Sun 25th September

Stockport Tattoo Convention

Masonic Guild Hall Stockport Tattoo Convention is the town’s first ever Event of this kind, bringing together a select number of the best artists and vendors to showcase their work and products. Held at Stockport Masonic Guild Hall, Sponsored by Resident Needle Tattoo Studio and Saviour Tattoo Supplies.

“We decided to hold this Convention in our home town of Stockport after attending several events around the UK, Some large and some small.

After a little thinking we realised with all the talent locally it would be a perfect opportunity. Our Aim is to showcase not only the amazing Tattoo Artists but also great products from local craftmakers, clothing brands and local Musicians.”

169 Wellington Road South, SK1 3UA Fri 23rd September 7pm-11pm

Art Battle Manchester

See page 27 for more details Sat 24th September 11am-3pm

Arc Saturday art club

Arc Centre and Gallery Everyone is welcome at the Saturday Art Club, where there are three guided creative activities for you to enjoy.

The club offers opportunities to be creative with materials which you may not have at home, using techniques which build skills and confidence.

The Gallery Cafe will be serving drinks and snacks, plus you can also browse the

current free exhibition.

No need to book, just drop in on the last Saturday of every month (not December) Suggested donation £3 Sun 25th September 7.45pm

Russell Kane Live: The Essex Variant!

Stockport Plaza Russell Kane’s bringing to town his gutpunch funny, searing, award-winning take on the two years we’ve just gone through.

Fri 30th September 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday Market Place

Tad The Lost Explorer And The Curse Of The Mummy

The following is a guide to some of the films being released in the UK in the coming months. The Light do not decide which films they will be showing until the week before, so check their website for full listings.

From 5th August Tad would love for his archeologist colleagues to accept him as one of their own, but he always messes everything up. Tad accidentally destroys a sarcophagus and unleashes an ancient spell endangering the lives of his friends: Mummy, Jeff and Belzoni. With everyone against him and only helped by Sara, he sets off on an adventure that will take him from Mexico to Chicago and from Paris to Egypt, in order to put an end to the curse of the Mummy.

Westlife - Live at Wembley Stadium

Sat 6 Aug 8:30pm Sun 7 Aug 3:00pm The UK’s biggest selling album group of the

street food, craft ales and live music at Stockport Market from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month.

Thu 6th October 7.30pm

The Lady Boys of Bangkok

Sun 9th October 10am - 4pm

Vintage Village

Stockport Market Hall As Sun 14th August £2

Stockport Plaza A must-see new production for 2022 with plenty of fun filled comedy and outrageous cheekiness, with over 400 incredible costumes and more theatrical sequin laden production numbers than you can shake your tail feather at.

Wed 12th October 7pm

Sat 8th October 11am

Celebrating all the classic songs and many more, including, Delilah, Green Green Grass of Home, What’s New Pussycat?, Sex Bomb, Kiss, Mama Told me, She’s a Lady and of course It’s Not Unusual!

Backed by a powerhouse live band, It’s Not Unusual is a fitting tribute to the life and music of a one-of-a-kind, living legend.

Stockport Plaza

Stockport Makers Market Stockport Market Place As Sat 13th August

Sat 8th & Sat 13th October 2pm-4pm

Drawing from the Dancer with artist Bill Eley

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery A wonderful opportunity to join an art session with renowned local artist, and Manchester Academy of Fine Art (MAFA) member, Bill Eley.

In this workshop you will have the chance to improve your Figure Drawing skills with local artist Bill Eley. You’ll be drawing a dancer in costume.

Bring a variety of dry media including; pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels, and paper to the session as materials are not provided.

This session is suitable for all abilities, for people aged 15 and over.

Suggested donation £3

21st Century, Westlife, will be broadcasting their first ever show live from Wembley Stadium, in front of a sell-out crowd of 90,000 fans: a spectacular show and their biggest yet!

Nope

From 12th August Oscar winner Jordan Peele reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope. Residents in a lonely gulch of inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

Three Thousand Years of Longing From 2nd September A scholar, content with life, encounters a Djinn who offers her three wishes in

Stockport LGBT+ PLUS Social CafeSQ As 10th August

Thu 13th October 7.30pm

It’s Not Unusual: The Tribute to Tom Jones

Thu 13th October 10:30am - 12:30pm

Photography for wellbeing Arc Centre and Gallery As Thu 11th August

Sat 15th October 7.45pm

The Real Thing & Odyssey: Disco Fever Live

Stockport Plaza Disco Fever returns with some of the biggest artists of the era for this year’s spectacular new line up of The Real Thing (You To Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By

What’s On

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All the big events in and around the centre of Stockport over the coming months. Keep up-to-date with what’s going on at www.totallystockport.co.uk

THE MUSEUMS Without You, Can You Feel The Force) and Odyssey (Native New Yorker, Use It Up And Wear It Out, Going Back To My Roots). Plus The Funky Town Disco Band. The night is hosted by the legendary Leroy Lurve and is going to be a ‘Boogie Night’ for all

suppliers from: venues, photographers, florists, cakes, videographers and entertainment. There’ll also be a catwalk show featuring bridal wear at 1pm. Stockport Town Hall SK1 3XE Free Thu 25th to Sat 29th October 7:15pm Sat matinee: 2:15pm

Stockport Operatic Society: Top Hat

22nd - 29th October 7:30pm

The Garrick: The Diary of Anne Frank

Stockport Garrick Theatre Filled with Anne’s luminous spirit – her “boundless desire for all that is beautiful and good” as she puts it herself, The Diary of Anne Frank also illuminates the coming-of-age of a complex, passionate young girl as she falls in love, grows into a young woman and struggles to survive with her family amid the chaos of war and religious persecution.

Exchange Street, SK3 0EJ £12 Sun 23rd October 11am-3pm

Stockport Town Hall Wedding Fayre The return of Stockport’s largest wedding fayre, featuring a wide range of wedding

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Stockport Plaza Stockport Operatic Society will present Top Hat, This will bring the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the Plaza Theatre in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time whilst travelling between New York, London and Venice.

Fri 28th October 6pm - 9pm

Foodie Friday

Market Place street food, craft ales and live music at Stockport Market from 6-9pm on the last Friday of every month.

Free Sun 30th October 7.30pm

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Stockport Plaza Renowned for its highly versatile musicianship, this ultimate guitar-fest recreates the unique sounds of guitar legends such as Jimmy Page, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and Slash with incredible accuracy.

exchange for his freedom. Their conversation, in a hotel room in Istanbul, leads to consequences neither would have expected. Starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton

The Forgiven

From 2nd September Speeding through the Moroccan desert to attend an old friend’s lavish weekend party, wealthy Londoners David and Jo Henninger are involved in a tragic accident with a local boy. Arriving late at the grand villa with the debauched party raging, the couple attempts to cover up the incident but when the boy’s father arrives seeking justice, the stage is set for a tension-filled culture clash.

Smile

From 30th September After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident in-

As Stockport’s museums re-open, it is recommended that visitors book a timeslot before visiting the museums as only a limited number of tickets will be available each day for walk-up visitors.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters Stockport’s intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors unparalleled insight into life in 1940s wartime Britain. When the Shelters opened in 1939 with room for 3,850 people, they were the largest purpose built civilian shelters in the country. Information panels and authentically recreated settings illustrate the extent of Stockport’s air raid precautions for life on the home front.

Adult £5.00 Concessions £3.75, Child (Under 16) £0.00 Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery has a long history of exhibitions from some of the artworld’s finest artists. Today the gallery boasts an extensive exhibition programme, which now gives emerging artists a chance to showcase their work.

The Hall of Memory is a fitting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives during times of conflict.

Free

volving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

From 30th September In partnership with the House of Dior, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own. After she works, starves and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior.

Staircase House Staircase House is the oldest town house situated in the Historic Market Place. The House and its rare Jacobean cage-newel staircase, have been beautifully restored.

Come along and take a historic journey back in time to discover how ancestors lived from the 15th to the 20th century.

This is a barrier free, hands-on journey through time. A great audio guide recounts the full history of the house and is available in English, French, German, Cantonese and Urdu.

Adult £5.00 Concession £3.75 Child (Under 16) £0.00, Stockport Museum At Stockport Museum you can time-travel from Palaeolithic to present day Stockport to experience the town’s entire history under one roof.

Explore the fantastic finds from the Mellor Iron Age hilltop settlement, life in medieval times, the thriving textile industry of the Victorian era as well as the impact of World War 1. If you have the kids with you, do not forget to spend some time in our awesome, interactive family gallery!

Free

Black Adam

From 21 October A spin-off from ‘Shazam!’ centering on the film’s anti-hero, Black Adam.

Bros

From 28 October A smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.

Unwelcome

From 28 October Unwelcome stars Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth as a couple who escape their urban nightmare to the tranquility of rural Ireland only to discover malevolent, murderous goblins lurking in the gnarled, ancient wood at the foot of their new garden.