Three giant slinkies, a drag-fuelled dance extravaganza and huge puppets are among the world-class acts lined up to perform during a free arts festival coming to Stoke-on-Trent later this month.
Performers from the worlds of music, puppetry, circus and dance will entertain crowds across 14 city centre locations for The Big Feast, which is returning for an 11th year.
The Hanley event takes place from 11am until 5pm on Friday, 22 August and Saturday, 23 August.
Highlights for this year include:
- Ancient Giants by Inspirate – an epic battle of Gods and Demons from ancient South Asian tales, imagined through giant puppetry, dance and martial arts
- Now I Am Become d/Deaf (Destroyer of Words) by Tit for Tat Circus – a visually rich exploration of hearing loss and identity through clowning and movement
- Big Fatt Dance Party by Fatt Projects – a riotous drag-fuelled dance extravaganza
- Big Mob by Bedlam Oz – three giant slinkies bring lively fun and light-hearted audience interaction
- Fish Boy by 2Faced Dance – a moving outdoor dance adventure celebrating friendship and environmental action
- See Saw by Reallynice – a sensory circus experience specially crafted for young people with SEND.
Performances will take place in locations such as The Potteries Centre, Piccadilly, Bethesda Chapel, the bus station, the old town hall and Smithfield.
Other activities include the chance to create an origami model city of the six towns, make a dream pillow filled with aromatic herbs, take flight on a swing with a virtual reality headset and have a go at circus skills.
The event is organised by arts organisation Appetite in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Smithfield and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Appetite Director Rachel Adams said: “At Appetite, we believe everyone should have access to creativity and culture. That’s why The Big Feast is free, welcoming and bursting with variety – there’s something here for everyone.
“Whether you want to be wowed, uplifted, moved or simply entertained, we hope this year’s programme brings a little more colour and joy to your day. This is YOUR Big Feast, and we’re glad you’re part of it.”
Brochures can be downloaded here and will be handed out by volunteers at the event.
