Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year has begun with a bang thanks to £125,000 of funding for a ‘main event’ parade.
The money from Arts Council England will help launch The People’s Parade, a major community event set to take place during the first-ever Stoke-on-Trent Day.
This year marks 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent received its city status and celebrations of the city’s past, present and future will take place over the next 12 months.
Stoke-on-Trent Day will be an annual event held every 5 June and The People’s Parade will be the main event of the weekend on Saturday, 7 June.
The funding for it has been secured following a successful bid from Stoke Creates Cultural Compact.
Professor Carola Boehm, Chair of Stoke Creates, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding from Arts Council England, which will help us put on a fantastic programme of events for the city’s Centenary.
“The People’s Parade will highlight Stoke-on-Trent’s rich heritage and its growing creative future. We’re excited for everyone to join in and make this celebration truly special.
“The People’s Parade will act as a step-change for our city to communicate that it is not only a place of heritage but also of innovation and creativity. It will do this on our streets, in our libraries, and around our neighbourhoods – and we hope everyone will play their part.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that Arts Council England continues to invest in Stoke-on-Trent. Our Centenary year promises to be an incredible celebration of all that makes this city unique, and the People’s Parade will be a highlight of the festivities.
“Stoke-on-Trent Day is a chance for everyone in the city to come together and celebrate our shared history and take pride in what makes our city special. The People’s Parade will be a fun and inclusive event that people of all ages can enjoy and be part of.”
Stoke-on-Trent gained city status on 5 June 1925 – following a direct approach to King George V – in recognition of the city’s considerable contributions to the pottery industry.
Other celebrations already announced include:
- The extended opening of Gladstone Pottery Museum, in Longton. The heritage attraction is usually closed from November to March but reopened its doors to visitors again yesterday.
- Four music concerts taking place across the year. These include ones by the City Music Service andNorth Staffs Symphony Orchestra, one to mark 62 years since The Beatles’ historic gig at the King’s Hall and Soul-on-Trent, celebrating the Northern Soul scene.
- A programme of activities to mark 100 years since the birth of ‘North Staffordshire’s Lowry’ Arthur Berry will also feed into SOT100, as previously reported by Daily Focus here.
More information about events planned for the centenary can be found here.
