Thousands of people visited Stockport Market this weekend to enjoy a historical spectacle spanning 750 years.
Cllr John Smith (left) and the Mayor of Stockport Cllr Hazel Lees (right) learn some Tudor health and beauty tips in the bustling market.
The event was organised by Stockport Council to mark the anniversary of the signing of Stockport’s market charter, which took place exactly 750 years ago today.

Over 7,000 people headed to Stockport to enjoy the whirlwind journey through time, where they encountered characters that would have formed part of market life in days gone by including minstrels, a rat catcher, peddlers and hawkers.

The market stalls each represented a period in history and were brimming with produce that would have been sold, or activities that would have been part of market life. They included a 1260 cheese and bread stall where visitors could sample the fabulous new Stockport Cheshire Cheese. The gingerbread Hawker was especially popular with the younger visitors.

People also explored the town’s hatting heritage at Sarah Ward’s Hatting and Confectionary stall, discovered the latest in Tudor health and beauty, enlisted to fight in the Civil War at the Heritage Trust’s stall and browsed through 1970s and 80s vinyl at a record stall.

The Camera Obscura was a particular highlight. This magical Victorian style darkened chamber is an optical device that projects images of the outside world onto a viewing table. Visitors enjoyed ‘spying’ on Stockport Market from an entirely new perspective.

Councillor John Smith, Executive Member for Leisure at Stockport Council, said: “This was simply a wonderful way to mark the 750th birthday of Stockport Market. It is fascinating to be able to experience first hand how the market has evolved through history. I hope that this enjoyable event has served to remind people of how important a role the market has played in the town’s history and how it continues to serve the local community today and into the future.

“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making the event such a great success, which was down to the hard work and enthusiasm of staff, market traders and volunteers.”

This fun and informative event was one of many exciting activities taking place to celebrate Stockport Market’s 750th anniversary. The celebrations will be topped off with a grand finale weekend 23rd and 24th October that will resurrect the historic St. Wilfrid’s Medieval Fair.

For more information on the Market 750th Anniversary events contact Stockport Tourist Information Centre on 0161 474 4444 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/stockportmarket