A 16-foot, specially-created puppet will lead dancing cupcakes, one hundred ducks and hundreds of residents in a parade to mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary tomorrow.
The People’s Parade forms part of the SOT100 year of activities to mark 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was awarded city status and will coincide with a huge, free Party in the Park taking place in Hanley Park.
The parade will leave College Road at 1pm before heading up towards The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, through the Cultural Quarter and back towards the park.
Each section of the parade resembles a part of Stoke-on-Trent whether that is arts, music or community.
Puppet the ‘Spirit of Stoke’ has been crafted by members of the B Arts organisation and embodies iconic arts and architecture, whilst paying tribute to music and dance – including northern soul, punk and rave.
Puppet Maker Richard Redwin, of B Arts and Red Thing Creations, said: “This is the largest puppet build we’ve ever worked on and we have really challenged ourselves to go above and beyond.
“Summing up the spirit of a whole city – and six different towns – in a single puppet might seem like an impossible task, but we’ve focused in on the art and music that makes our city iconic in the UK, finding inspiration in the music and dance subcultures that have defined us over the last century.
“We cannot wait for everyone to see her at the Parade on Saturday.”
Schools have also been involved in crafting colourful costumes with other creative organisations such as MADULA and one of the parade’s main organisers – Urban Wilderness.
A 20-strong marching band, KiLNE, will also form part of the 1,000 participants.
Isla Telford, Co-director of Urban Wilderness, said: “This event is a real opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that we have in Stoke. This event is huge and has been a great opportunity for all the artists to bring their A game. We all think audiences are going to be awe-struck and proud of their city.”
The parade is expected to arrive back at the park from around 2.30pm where entertainment will already be underway.
Festival-goers can expect live music on the big stage, street food stalls and family activities throughout the afternoon, with performances running until 6pm. Acts will include singer-songwriter Levi Knapper, electropop artist Dala Jade, Steel Pan Band, Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders, Boogie Knights, and Bejeweled: The Taylor Swift Tribute.
Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs and blankets. Alcohol cannot be brought into the park, but a licensed bar and seating area will be available.
The event is being delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in partnership with PH Production Services Ltd and supported by Honey Box Live.
Councillor Lyn Sharpe, centenary champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The People’s Parade is shaping up to be a truly amazing celebration of what makes Stoke-on-Trent so brilliant – our people, our history and our culture. Hanley Park will welcome the crowds with hours of free music and entertainment to keep the celebrations going.”
