Stockport is set for an exciting spring celebration later this month as a whole horde of Morris dancers will be taking over the town centre – and by a horde, we mean 1,000+.
More than enough to dance a massive jig, put it that way.
As part of the Joint Morris Organisation’s annual ‘Day of Dance’ event, set up by the official Morris Federation years ago, Morris dancers from all over the country unite in dancing their socks off across various regions, including Greater Manchester.
With literally over a thousand experts set to descend on Stockport and even more spectators expected to line the streets as they soak up the song and springtime spirit, it’ll be a great day for the borough.
Taking place most of the day from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, 26 April, Stopfordians will be able to enjoy the fun of a mini-folk festival right on their doosteps, with a huge parade and Morris dancers making their way around various part of the town.
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If you live in the area, prepare for a chorus of bells and folk music, as well as a sea of clashing sticks, swirling ribbons, spiralling hula hoops and more.
Hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID (Business Improvement District) with support from the local Council and Merseyway Stockport, it promises to be a lively, loud and unforgettable event.
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It won’t be confirmed until the day itself has passed, but it could quite possibly become a record-breaking celebration of Morris and folk dance not just in the North West but in the UK as a whole.
You can see the full programme and event map down below:
Covering the Underbank, Merseyway, Princess Street, Suffragette Square, the Old Town’s Market Place and more, you quite literally couldn’t miss it if you tried.
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Better yet, rounding off the day in true folk-style, there’ll be a completely free Ceilidh dance and party at St Mary’s Church, featuring a live folk band, pop-up craft beer bar and delicious local street food.
There’ll be activities to keep all ages occupied when the dancers aren’t in sight too, with family-friendly craft workshops, shire horses, fun giveaways and other fringe events to make the most of. including thousands of Morris-themed stickers and leather badges.
Shaun Freeman Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager, said: “This is a huge win for Stockport. To have a massive, national celebration of Morris and folk dance right in the heart of the town is truly special, and a huge opportunity for Stockport to showcase its vibrancy, community spirit and rich cultural scene.
“The festival will not only bring an incredible spectacle, but also boost footfall and support local businesses. We can’t wait to welcome dancers from all over the country – it’s going to be an unforgettable day!”
As for Stockport Council, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport Helen Foster Grime 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.
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“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!”
Featured Images — Supplied (via Stockport Council)/Donald Judge (via Flickr)
Stockport
Inside Stockport’s stunning Grade II-listed waterside home for sale with its own private canal mooring
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look inside a Grade II-listed property that’s currently on the market in the stunning Stockport countryside?
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £1.25 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £1.25 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
Take a look behind the grand front door of what is, by far, one of the most unique properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment.
This is Bleak House.
This is Bleak House / Credit: eXp UK
Although the name doesn’t do it much justice, it has to be said, this magnificent five-bedroom detached stone residence overlooks stunning views as far as the eye can see.
And can you believe it’s only in Stockport too? Well, Marple shall we say, which is very much one of the borough’s most sought-after and affluent residential areas, combining the best of semi-rural living with easy access to all the amenities in the town’s centre, as well as Manchester being not far off either, so it’s ideally placed for peace and quiet yet modern life is within reaching distance.
Bleak House is actually a former mill manager’s house, and dates all the way back to the early 19th century, with associations to Samuel Oldknow and Peter Arkwright, making it a property of both archaeological and historical significance.
It’s a stunning five-bedroom Grade II-listed residence in the Stockport countryside / Credit: eXp UK
Gaining its Grade II-listed status in 1967, the house itself offers some 3,000 square feet of living accommodation set over three floors.
Due to is listed status, this means the current owners have been required to carry out all recent development works as ‘sympathetically’ as possible, with strict requirements adhered to along the way, and you’ll see once you step through the grand front doors that the property has managed to perfectly blend period charm with contemporary touches.
Some of the stand-out features the property boasts is a living room with a wood burner set in stone fire surround and dual-aspect sash windows offering far-reaching views, and a recently-fitted bespoke kitchen diner at the heart of the home, along with a separate boot room and utility room.
The property has its own separate annex and even its own private canal mooring / Credit: eXp UK
There are also four generous-sized double bedrooms, each with their own en-suite, and not only has the property been recently extended, but there is also planning permission granted for further reception rooms, plus a car shelter and storage space.
As well as the main house, there’s also a self-contained annex that comes with property, and this has also been recently refurbished, and now presents as a way to generate some extra income from short stays and holiday lets.
Once you step outside the property, it’s just as impressive as it is on the inside.
Bleak House faces south with the Peak Forest Canal to the west and Strines Road to the east.
To the front of the property, there’s a long driveway providing plenty of off-road parking, and EV car charging point, and a large lawn surrounded by woodland, while to the rear, there’s also another large lawn area with various steps, pathways, and tiers leading up to the canal.
At the top is a decked patio area that offers some of the best views of the pictursque Goyt Valley adjacent to the canal, with the property’s own private mooring.
Bleak House is currently on the market with the North West branch of property company eXp UK for a whopping £1.25 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.
Featured Image – eXp UK
Stockport
Murder investigation launched after 93-year-old woman found dead in Stockport suburb
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched after a 93-year-old woman was found dead at a property in a popular Stockport suburb.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called to an address on Altrincham Road at 9:38am yesterday morning (Wednesday 16 April), but when they arrived at the scene, a 93-year-old woman was sadly found deceased in the property.
Following the discovery of the body, police proceeded to carry out initial enquiries, and a scene is still in place whilst this continues.
At this time, police say this is an isolated incident, with a 39-year-old woman having been swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder and remaining in police custody.
#ARREST | This morning we were called to an address on Altrincham Road. Sadly, a 93-year-old woman was found deceased in the property.
A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. She remains in police custody.
Due to previous contact with the woman found dead, GMP has confirmed that a mandatory referral of this incident to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has been made, but following an initial assessment by GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, it has been concluded that all officers remain fully operational.
“The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim,” explained Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen, who is a Senior Investigating Officer on the case.
Altrincham Road in Gatley, where the murder took place / Credit: Google Maps
“We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to assure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made, and no wider threat.
“You will notice an increased presence in the area today whilst we conduct enquiries, but also across the coming days as the local neighbourhood team look to provide reassurance to those living close by.”
Police are also appealing to the public for information.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact police on 101, quoting the log number 726 of 16/04/25, or reporting it online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
14th April 2025 
