Local Organisations Invited To Get Involved In Stockport Pride 2026
Stockport Pride has announced that its annual celebration of equality, diversity and inclusion will return on Sunday 26 July 2026, from 11am to 7pm, bringing another joyful day of community spirit to Stockport's Historic Market Place.
The festival shines a spotlight on the town's vibrant LGBTQ+ community, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together in celebration, solidarity and pride.
As in previous years, the heart of the event will be the Martyn Hett Stage. Throughout the day, audiences will be treated to a packed programme of entertainment from local and LGBTQ+ musicians, performers and artists - celebrating creativity, self-expression and community.
The festivities include a colourful parade through the town centre, making its way from the Underbanks and through Stockport, before arriving at the Market Place, where the day's celebrations will continue with live performances, stalls and activities.
Visitors can explore stalls from local organisations, charities and independent makers, alongside a selection of food and drink vendors. There will also be a Family Space, offering a welcoming area for those celebrating Pride with children, as well as a Quiet Space for anyone who needs a break from the crowds.
A raffle will take place during the day, raising money for Stockport Pride and helping to support activities that benefit the local LGBTQ+ community throughout the year.
The event's organisers are inviting local businesses, community groups and organisations to get involved in Stockport Pride 2026. Opportunities include becoming event partners, donating raffle prizes or hosting a stall during the festival.
Stephen Bowyer, from the event's organising committee said: "Events like Stockport Pride 2026 matter more than ever. At a time when many LGBTQ+ people find their rights and visibility are being challenged, coming together as a community to celebrate who we are and support one another is incredibly important. Pride is about joy, but it’s also about standing up for equality and ensuring everyone in our town feels safe, respected and able to be themselves. We would love to hear from organisations who want to support the day – whether that's through sponsorship, raffle prizes or running a stall."
Stockport Pride continues to grow year on year, attracting visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond, while keeping its strong community focus firmly rooted in the town.
Further announcements about performers, the parade and what organisations you can expect to find at Stockport Pride 2026 will be shared in the coming months.
For more information or to register your interest in getting involved, visit: www.stockportpride.co.uk
New Rose Fête: Spring Community Project Blossoms in Stockport
Local Stockport residents are invited to take part in a new community project celebrating creativity, care and neighbourhood connection this spring.
The initiative is a collaboration between What If? and Brinksway Community Cinema. The Rose Fête sessions will offer relaxed creative gatherings where local people can drop in, bring along memories and photographs, and share ideas for a joyful neighbourhood celebration inspired by traditional community fêtes.
To mark the start of the project, Brinksway Community Cinema will host a special community screening of Steel Magnolias at What If? on Thursday 12 March at 7pm. The much-loved film celebrates friendship, resilience and the power of women supporting one another, and the evening promises warmth, laughter and shared cinema, with refreshments available.
The film night will launch the Rose Fête programme and invite local people to come together ahead of the first Rose Fête drop-in creative sessions on Friday 13 March from 2–4pm and 6–8pm. The sessions will offer a welcoming space to meet neighbours, get creative and help shape a joyful community celebration.
A spokesperson from Brinksway Community Cinema said: “Our events are all about creating welcoming spaces where people can come together, share stories and enjoy time with their neighbours. The Rose Fête sessions are a chance to be creative, meet new people and celebrate the small moments of joy that bring a community to life. We’re really excited to launch it with a film that’s full of humour, warmth and friendship.”
Brinksway Community Cinema is a volunteer-led initiative that creates friendly, accessible film events designed to bring people together. Through screenings and creative projects, the group aims to make cinema a space for conversation, connection and collective joy.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Rose Fête sessions or the film screening - whether to get creative, meet neighbours or simply enjoy a cosy evening out.
Tickets for the film screening and sessions can be booked online via Eventbrite, and for more information about Brinksway Cinema and What if? you can follow them on social media, or sign up to their newsletter by emailing: brinkswaycinema@gmail.com
Film night tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/steel-magnolias-community-film-night-at-what-if-tickets-1984229571061?aff=oddtdtcreator
Drop in sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-new-rose-fete-a-ceremonial-re-awakening-afternoon-drop-in-tickets-1984227958237?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Gift of Friendship in Stockport
Reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing and helping people to re-connect in the community is the aim of Age UK Stockport’s Gift of Friendship program.
The face-to-face companionship service matches a volunteer with an older resident who they visit once a week in their own home to provide a friendly chat and a listening ear. Their interaction is a targeted six-month period rather than open ended. This is because the aim of the project is to help people become more connected, confident and supported in their community and volunteers are encouraged to help the person that they are visiting to start attending local groups so that when the six months are over, the person has regained their confidence and those all-important community connections.
The Gift of Friendship Lead Sally Connor states: “The project targets people who may have lost their confidence during covid, due to a health condition or bereavement and helps them regain their independence.”
Age UK Stockport are looking for volunteers right across Stockport that would be able to give just an hour a week to change the life of an isolated older resident. All volunteers are DBS checked and asked to complete some online training and are supported by the Gift of Friendship Team throughout.
Alison is one such Gift of Friendship volunteer and stated: ‘I really enjoy volunteering for Age UK Stockport. It feels such a worthwhile thing to do when so many older people need companionship and Age UK Stockport matched us very well as we share similar interests and both look forward to the weekly visit’.
If you would like to change the life of an older Stockport resident, please email: volunteer@ageukstockport.org.uk or call: 0161 480 1211.
Stockport Rocks! Returns for Third Year to Celebrate Outstanding Local Volunteers
Stockport Rocks! is set to return for a third year on 19 May to celebrate and recognise the incredible contribution of Volunteers in Stockport and the difference they make in our community. Stockport Rocks! is delivered by Sector 3 and Stockport Volunteer Hub, with support from partners Stockport Council, Stockport County Community Trust, Marketing Stockport as well as sponsors such as KAO Data.
After a successful turn out last year, Stockport Rocks! will be taking place at Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County, for its third year, continuing the tradition of hosting the ceremony at one of Stockport’s most well-known venues.
"Stockport is full of fantastic groups and organisations doing wonderful things for our community, but it’s our volunteers who give it all heart. They’re the quiet heroes doing extraordinary things. So, we’re bringing people together, lifting the spirits, and giving them a well‑earned celebration to show just how much they mean to us!" said Clare Finch, Business Lead at Sector3.
Over the past two years, Stockport Rocks! has recognised many inspiring volunteers and organisations whose work has had an impact on our community. Previous winners help encourage others to get involved in volunteering across the borough.
Bernard Kivel was awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' for his dedication to the Heaton Norris Community Centre and has also been invited to the King’s Annual Garden Party.
Kell Degnen has won the 'Environment Award' for her hard work transforming the Marbury Road Edible Garden and inspiring others to join in.
Lizzy Akindele was awarded with the 'Unsung Hero Award’ for her outstanding 15 years of volunteering and for leading sewing projects that have empowered more than 130 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Nominations now open
Nominations are open until 16 March 2026. This year's award ceremony will feature 11 different categories, raising awareness on the wide range of different ways volunteers support our community. Stockport Volunteer Hub urges people to help recognise the hard work, compassion and dedication of volunteers by nominating an individual valued in the community.
To nominate, visit the Stockport Volunteer Hub Website where you’ll also find full details about this year’s upcoming event: https://www.stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk/stockport-rocks-26/
Award categories are:
Health and Wellbeing Volunteer For those who support people to live healthy and happy lives
Armed Forces Volunteer Recognising veterans in our communities
Good Neighbour Volunteer For individuals that look out for their neighbours and community
One Stockport Volunteer Someone who champions inclusivity for all
Young Volunteer For those under the age of 25
Long Service Volunteer A person who has loyally dedicated their time over a long period
Unsung Hero Volunteer For those working behind the scenes quietly and selflessly
Fundraiser of the Year Volunteer Honours the commitment and effort gone in to raising money for charity
Proper Good Business Award For businesses that give back
Voluntary Organisation Celebrating an organisation run entirely by volunteers
Environmental award For those looking after our green spaces and wildlife for everyone to enjoy