Plans have been unveiled to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary at a major partner event held at Gladstone Pottery Museum.
Guests were offered a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025 while the wraps also came off a new Centenary Logo to mark the 100th anniversary.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, said: “As a proud fourth generation Fentonian, it’s an honour to be Lord Mayor of this fantastic city as it enters its centenary year. We’re planning so many wonderful events that acknowledge our proud past at the same time as looking towards our future as a great city.
“As a city we’re built on the coal and clay deposits under our feet but also on our strength in diversity. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, were born here and moved away, or came to live here recently, our centenary celebrations are for you!”
The event was hosted by Reverend Geoff Eze. Guests included Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire Hannah Ault; High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Julia Mitchell and representatives of organisations including Stoke City and Port Vale football clubs, Stoke-on-Trent BID, Staffordshire and Keele Universities as well as Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
It also brought together a plethora of local talent with oatcakes provided for guests by FEASTED and tea served on Gladstone Blue mugs supplied by Duchess China.
There was a reading by local poet Nick Degg of his poem I Come from a Town, there was a Bollywood-style performance from the Dharshanodiyaa Dance School, a demonstration by a Gladstone Pottery Museum expert and also a performance by schoolchildren from St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School, Hartshill as part of the City Music Service’s City Songbirds.
Council Leader Councillor Jane Ashworth said: “It was great to see local businesses, organisations and people come together to launch our plans for the centenary year. I am passionate about our city and I truly believe that Stoke-on-Trent is a unique and amazing place.”
Stoke-on-Trent became a city in 1925. The first application for city status was refused by the Home Office because Stoke-on-Trent had fewer than 300,000 inhabitants – the usual minimum population for city status – that was despite becoming a federation of six towns in 1910.
But a direct approach to King George V changed that and, on 5 June 1925, Stoke-on-Trent gained city status in recognition of its considerable contributions to the pottery industry.
Businesses and residents who want to share their memories of Stoke-on-Trent and organisations that want to be involved in the celebrations can email [email protected].
For more information on the City of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary and to keep up with the latest announcements go to www.sot100.org.uk
