Stockport Music Story Walking Tour around the Old Town

Stockport has seen somewhat of a cultural renaissance in recent years. As part of this shift, the town has begun to embrace and celebrate its cultural history, which is surprisingly rich. So many icons of popular music have come through the studios and venues of Stockport. From New Order to Jimi Hendrix, Blossoms to the late Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud. All these incredible artists have left permanent and tangible marks on the city which you can explore in the Stockport Music Story Walking Tour. 

Led by the passionate and knowledgeable John Barratt, this 90 minute tour will lead you through the musical sites of significance in Stockport’s Old Town. Throughout the town you’ll find what look like records attached above doorways, on street corners and hidden in plain sight on the sides of unsuspecting buildings. These are the Stockport Music Story Plaques, highlighting where significant studios were based, where legendary performances happened and how music has very much shaped the urban geography of the place.

Starting in the exhibition area of the Stockroom, by the Chosen Family Album exhibition, you’ll venture into the lives of extraordinary individuals who created such a substantial creative scene. From there you’ll visit sites such as the legendary Strawberry Studios, murals dedicated to artists shaped by the town as well as venues which became the cornerstones in the careers of household names. 

It’s advised to leave at least two hours for this tour so that you can explore beyond the tour. The route is circular and takes you right back into the heart of the Old Town. You can now find record shops like SK1 and artist studios based in this area carrying the musical heritage into the contemporary scene and fuelling artists working in the area now. 

Let John show you the layers that make up Stockport’s musical identity with fond anecdotes, famous names and a whole lot of civic pride.