A countywide programme of events has been planned to mark this year’s Staffordshire Day.
Celebrations will start on Thursday, 1 May and run through to 5 May, Bank Holiday Monday – with many of the events being free for residents to enjoy.
This year is the ninth annual Staffordshire Day, celebrated on 1 May the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up his world-famous pottery company in 1759.
To mark the occasion, World of Wedgwood in Barlaston will be running free taster factory tours between 10.30am and 2.15pm on Thursday, 1 May. No booking is required, people can drop in on the day.
Tamworth Castle is offering free entry for children when accompanied by a full paying adult on the afternoon of 1 May.
The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival is continuing with a range of walks taking place until 5 May, many of which are free to join and suit various abilities and interests.
Thursday is also the last day to enjoy the Tulip Festival at Lower Drayton Farm, in Penkridge.
Andrea Sammons, Senior Marketing Officer at Staffordshire County Council who are supporting the day, said the excitement of Staffordshire Day is ‘really starting to ramp up’.
She added: “It’s an important and proud day for everyone living in Staffordshire and when we tell the world what a great county it is.
“There’s already lots of events listed for the day and over the Bank Holiday weekend and more being added every day.”
Other events taking place over the bank holiday weekend include the Great British Food Festival at The Trentham Estate, running from 3 to 5 May. The estate also has a Shaun the Sheep trail and a Spring Bulb Festival continuing until 18 May.
The National Memorial Arboretum, in Alrewas, is hosting a free weekend of activities to mark VE Day. Inspired by the street party spirit of 1945, The Year was 1945 event will feature live performances, including vintage 1940s inspired dance workshops, with each day culminating with a mass visitor singalong.
National Forest Adventure Farm, near Burton upon Trent, has three days full of action and entertainment planned with Crumpet’s Big Weekend and Drayton Manor Resort, near Tamworth, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, will host fireworks, live music, late rides and more on 3 and 4 May.
In Stoke-on-Trent, Voices Of The Potteries: A Centenary Musical takes place at Stoke Rep Theatre on 2 and 3 May to mark the city’s centenary.
Hanley’s Victoria Hall hosts SOT Classics – BBC Philharmonic: Anna Lapwood: Saint-Saens Organ Concerto on 2 May, Jimi Hendrix tribute artist John Campbell stars in Jimi – The Legend Lives On at the Mitchell Arts Centre on 3 May and there’s a charity Northern Soul & Motown Disco at Middleport Pottery also on 3 May.
The first official Staffordshire Day took place in 2016, the year the county turned 1,000 years old.
More information about the day can be found here.
