A striking new art installation has been unveiled at Stockport station, shining a light on the town’s rich and often overlooked musical heritage.
Now on display in the station underpass, the large-scale installation features 44 individual artworks celebrating musicians who have lived, performed or recorded in Stockport over the years. From legendary names like The Beatles to modern favourites Blossoms, the display captures decades of the town’s connection to the music world.
The project was developed by the Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester Community Rail Partnerships, with the aim of turning the station into a cultural talking point while also celebrating Stockport’s place in British music history.
The artwork was created by Seven Miles Out Arts, a Stockport-based community arts hub, in collaboration with six local artists. Together, they have produced a colourful and engaging display that tells the story of Stockport’s influence on the music industry from the 1960s through to today.
Each piece also includes a QR code, allowing visitors to learn more about the artist featured and their connection to the town. The installation is designed not only to brighten up the station but also to encourage people to discover more about Stockport’s musical past.
Stockport has long played an important role in the UK music scene, with Strawberry Studios becoming one of its most famous landmarks. The studio welcomed a number of iconic artists over the years, including Joy Division, The Smiths and Paul McCartney.
Avanti West Coast, which manages Stockport station, supported the project through its Community Rail Project Fund. The scheme helps Community Rail Partnerships along its route deliver projects that connect local communities with the railway and improve station spaces.
The new installation is the latest tribute to Stockport’s music legacy at the station. Last year, a plaque was unveiled to mark the famous night David Bowie slept at Stockport station, 55 years after his unexpected stay there.
Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said:
“This artwork brightens up the station’s underpass and creates a vibrant gateway for everyone arriving at Stockport by rail. It’s a great addition to the station, which is already considered a cultural landmark, and captures the stories of those who have worked, visited or performed in the area.
“We’re pleased to have supported the community and local artists to celebrate the town’s rich musical heritage. With its unique perspective, we hope the artwork will help people to discover something new and encourage them to explore more of Stockport’s music scene.”
Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester CRP Community Rail Officer, Gillian Renshaw, said:
“With the Brit and MOBO Awards recently held in Manchester for the first time, this feels like a significant and timely project that really captures the heritage of Stockport and its significance within the music industry. Community rail is all about inclusion and connecting people to their railway. From The Beatles to Bowie and Blossoms, this is a true celebration of those sung and unsung heroes that played a key part in the area.”
John Barratt, Director of Seven Miles Out Arts, said:
“As a proud resident of Stockport, this project means so much to me and the artists involved in bringing all this to life. Stockport’s music scene is just one aspect that makes this town great and we’re so grateful to Avanti West Coast and the Community Rail Partnership who have made this vision a reality.”
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