SmileyWorld® Art Trail makes its north west debut in Stockport

From July 4 - September 15, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.

Following huge success in Battersea, London and North Tyneside, the SmileyWorld Art Trail will be making its North West debut, guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays - and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.

Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld, the lifestyle brand dedicated to true emotional expression; the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety and lots more.

Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured at Merseyway Shopping Centre, Market Place, Redrock Stockport, Stockport Underbanks, Stockport Exchange, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, Stockport Train Station, Prince’s Street, Stockport Retail Park and Tesco Portwood.

Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect and smile – or not! – as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles and doodles for kids, which will be available to download at www.totallystockport.co.uk. Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.

Shaun Freeman-Jones, BID Manager at Totally Stockport, said: “The SmileyWorld Art Trail is a fantastic opportunity to welcome residents and visitors into our town centre for a free, feel-good experience this summer - but it’s about more than just smiles. The trail explores a whole range of emotions, from joy and excitement to curiosity and anger, brought to life through bold and imaginative sculptures. It’s a celebration of creativity, a boost for local businesses, and a chance for people of all ages to connect with how they feel. It’s bold, bright and it’s bang-on brand for Stockport!”.

The trail is the latest in a growing line-up of unmissable events delivered by Totally Stockport BID, including Stock Party, a huge street festival which will return to the town this June, as well as past events: A Day of Dance, which saw 1,000 Morris dancers descend on the town in April and Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday, a fabulous Christmas celebrations filled with street performers which took place in November last year.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport. Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art."

Wild in Art is renowned for bringing public art to life in towns and cities across the UK and beyond, with previous hits including Bee in the City (Manchester), Elmer’s Big Parade (Blackpool) and Go Superlambananas (Liverpool). SmileyWorld®, part of The Smiley Company, is a globally recognised lifestyle brand rooted in positivity and emotional expression. They collaborate with world renowned brands like H&M, adidas, Nestle, Sketchers, to create products and experiences that celebrate individuality and self-expression.

For further updates and event announcements, please visit the Totally Stockport website.