Stockport station has unveiled a new installation as part of a local art project to celebrate the area’s rich music heritage.

Displayed in the station’s underpass, the series of 44 artworks depicts the musicians that have performed, lived or recorded in Stockport through the years – from The Beatles to Blossoms.

Avanti West Coast said the largescale artwork was designed to be a cultural attraction, capturing key moments in the town’s history. It was the idea of both Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester Community Rail Partnerships (CRP).

It was created by Seven Miles Out Arts – a Stockport-based community arts hub – in collaboration with six local artists.

Telling the community’s forgotten history and its importance to the music industry, each piece features a QR code that shares the story behind the artist’s connection to the town from the 1960s to the present day. 

Stockport has a significant musical heritage – it was home to Strawberry Studios, where many famous artists, including Joy Division, The Smiths, and Paul McCartney recorded. 

Avanti West Coast, which manages Stockport station, supported the installation with its Community Rail Project Fund – a scheme that helps CRPs local to its route deliver initiatives that engage communities with their railway.

The artwork is the latest addition to the station in recognition of the town’s musical history. Last year a plaque commemorating the night David Bowie slept at Stockport station was unveiled 55 years after his impromptu stop at the station.

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.”