Word around these parts is that Stockport is the new Berlin. Whilst AMF certainly isn’t the first to the party when it comes to championing the burgeoning scene in Greater Manchester’s southern town we’d be remiss for not writing something about it considering we’re a Manchester-based music blog.
The fact that yours truly is also residing in an illustrious SK postcode now (See ya later Ancoats) may also have something to do with my keen interest in Stockport’s development.
Whilst it is always easy to get caught up in the hype when something new is taking off I’d be lying if I told you there wasn’t a palpable excitement around Stockport at the moment. Whether it’s from new and established businesses organising music and arts event in the town or DJs, producers, and all manner of creatives moving to the Stockport suburbs to capitalise on the (slightly more) reasonable house prices and rent there’s certainly a shift in the region and people are finally saying “Stockport ISN’T shit”.
“Stockport isn’t shit” has become a tongue in cheek catchphrase for the local community, so much so that it’s even made it’s way to a flag at Glastonbury.
From Twitter account @MemoirsOfAManc
This brilliant Tote by the Warren also sums up the general consensus around Stockport at the moment. Buy it here: Stockport isn’t shit tote
Now, ask any local and they’ll rightly argue their town’s never been shit but the increased eyes on Stockport will have broadly positive effects on the town.
It’s worth pointing out that with any cases of gentrification there are positives along with huge and real negatives. Finding the right balance between serving the needs of long-standing locals along with new arrivals (ahem bloody yuppies) will be key to making Stockport a town for all.
This isn’t the subject of this article but worth bearing in mind before we start dropping coffee shops everywhere. So far, from what I’ve seen, Stockport is managing this well, but it may be too early to tell.
In this article we’re going to explore what’s going on in Stockport, what we’re excited to get involved in and where we think the town is heading next.
Why the buzz around Stockport now?
What series of events have led to people in Greater Manchester to prick up their ears and take a listen in Stockport’s direction? Like many scenes this has happened gradually and pretty naturally. Nothing kills a buzz quite like a manufactured marketing campaign.
But if we were to sum it up in a few points we’d say:
- The continued gentrification of Central Manchester is causing people to head further out of town. This isn’t anything new. We all know it’s happening. AMF has written about it recently in our Plubs article (great read by the way) and it show no sign of slowing down.
But as the development in Central Manchester continues to squeeze music and creative spaces more forward thinking suburbs are picking up the slack to create scenes in their towns. - Stockport isn’t alone when it comes to creating a grass roots scene in its town center. Salford (both great towns beginning with an S, how about that) has long been flying the flag for Manchester’s creative community but it can’t do that alone.
Dare I say it but Salford may be reaching the limit of what it can sustain in regards to event spaces. With people still keen to put on events they need somewhere else to go. - Mancunians seem genuinely keen to explore new regions and areas of Greater manchester. The city center doesn’t have an iron grip on where DJs, producers and promoter can operate so it’s only natural they’ll look to explore new and exciting areas where they can put on unique events. Stockport has this in spades.
What’s worth checking out
There’s no shortage of cool places springing up around Stockport with The Underbank being the main hub of independent businesses along with the party-starting SK1 Records. If any venue is going to sum up Stockport’s renaissance its probably SK1.
The record shop is known for its street parties and all you need to do is look at their recent event with Luke Unabomber to see why there’s a buzz around Stockport right now. A more relaxed council that wants to build a community in the town is likely greenlighting these events and the businesses in The Underbank are coming together to make something properly magical.
Besides SK1 there are other creative and events spaces popping up in the town. We have it on good authority that the new bar Syndikat is going to provide something special for the town along with a Stockport roof terrace. Watch this space.
Also, we like our food at AMF and we can’t take about “cool” Stockport without mentioning Where The Light Gets In. If you like a taster menu then it’s a must. Not exactly a musical recommendation but a good one either way.
What next for Stockport
Hopefully, the town continues to grow and expand its forward-thinking venues and spaces, attracting more collectives to the town and providing a better outlet for budding artists of all stripes who can’t catch a break in draconian Central Manchester.
All this buzz does need to come with a real consideration for the local community though. While attracting new people to the town it shouldn’t be at the cost of people who’ve lived in Stockport their entire lives and are maybe initially resistant to change like this.
That being said it seems like Stockport is managing this pretty well, bringing in new businesses and people whilst still remaining true to its character and not compromising what made it so unique in the first place.
Long may it continue.
