Loveable pup Staffy has been unveiled as a new visitor mascot for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as part of a three-year plan to grow the county’s tourism economy.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will take centre stage on Staffordshire Day’s tenth anniversary later this year to front a programme of events showcasing the county as an active, adventurous and fun destination.
Launching on 1 May, a new public art trail will feature large-scale Staffy sculptures across the key gateways of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre, Stafford and Tamworth.
Each sculpture will be designed by local artists and inspired by ideas submitted by school children.
Tourism chiefs expect it to be a ‘major draw’ for families and tourists.
Staffy was launched at a major tourism conference held at Uttoxeter Racecourse yesterday.
He has been created by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and brought to life with the help of Stoke-on-Trent animation studio Carse & Waterman.
LVEP chair Arthur Barnard said: “Staffy gives us a fun and friendly way to show the country why Staffordshire is the nation’s playground.
“We’re home to some of the biggest and best attractions in the UK, and our location makes us a natural gateway between major cities and airports.
“Staffy brings all of this together and will inspire more people to get out and explore.”
Staffordshire’s tourism economy is now worth more than £2.7 billion.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Staffy is a brilliant symbol of the pride people feel in Staffordshire. Our visitor economy has grown by 35 per cent since before the pandemic, making us one of the fastest-recovering destinations in the UK – and there is still so much more room for further growth and expansion.
“This year we want to build on our success and showcase Staffordshire as the nation’s playground – active, adventurous and full of unique experiences. The Staffy Trail and our Staffordshire Day programme will help attract visitors, boost local spending and shine a spotlight on everything that makes our county special.
“We look forward to working with businesses to make this our biggest celebration yet.”
Businesses and organisations will be invited to become Staffy supporters by sponsoring one of the trail’s sculptures or getting involved in other Staffordshire Day activities.
More details about the anniversary programme and the trail will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, people can sign up to Staffy’s blog here.
- A new website showcasing Newcastle-under-Lyme’s top attractions, local events and places to eat, drink and stay was launched yesterday to coincide with the Staffordshire Big Tourism Conference. Local businesses and organisations are being encouraged to register themselves and their activities. Click here to go through to the Discover Newcastle-under-Lyme website.
