‌
‌
Skip to main content
Manchester Evening News
  • News
  • In Your Area
  • Man Utd
  • Man City
Buy a Paper
Funeral Notices
Jobs
Advertise with us
Book an Ad
Newsletter Signup
Marketplace
Dating
Voucher Codes
Directory
Public Notices
  • News
  • Local News
  • What's on
  • In Your Area
  • Sport
  • Man Utd
  • Man City
  • Business

Follow Manchester Evening News on socials:

Ipso logotrust project logo
  • InYourArea
  • mynewsassistant
  • Discount Codes
  • Beauty Box Subscription
  • Yimbly Shop
  • Marketplace
  • Public Notices
  • Buy a photo
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Work for us
  • Advertise with us
  • Mirror Bingo
  • How to Complain
  • Corrections & Clarifications
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Notice
  • AI Notice
  • Cookie Notice
  • Our RSS Feeds
  • Newsletters Signup
  • Syndication & Licensing
  • Notifications and alerts help

© 2025 M.E.N Media

‌
reach logo

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.

  • Manchester Evening News Icon
  • What's On
  • What's On News
  • Stockport

The UK's biggest Morris Dancing takeover is coming to Stockport next week - map, timings and everything you need to know

Those coming out to celebrate can expect rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks and swirling ribbons in Stockport town centre

Comments
What's On
Jenna Campbell What's On Editor
06:12, 15 Apr 2025
Taking place on Saturday, 26 April, the town centre will be transformed into a stage for over 60 Morris dancing groups
Taking place on Saturday, 26 April, the town centre will be transformed into a stage for over 60 Morris dancing groups(Image: Supplied)

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.

Article continues below

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.

'A Day of Dance' takes over the streets of Stockport this Spring, with Morris jigs, high-energy folk jam sessions, impromptu dance-offs and lively street performances
'A Day of Dance' takes over the streets of Stockport this Spring, with Morris jigs, high-energy folk jam sessions, impromptu dance-offs and lively street performances(Image: Supplied)

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.

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
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(Image: Supplied)

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.

A Day of Dance for Stockport parade route and dancing spots
A Day of Dance for Stockport parade route and dancing spots (Image: Supplied)
‌

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.

Article continues below

• Ceilidh (7:30 PM – Late): End the day with a lively ceilidh at St Mary’s Church.

Follow Manchester Evening News:
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Instagram
Comments
‌

‌
‌
Stockport Town CentreStockportEventsThings to do ManchesterManchester FamilyDays Out