A pack of colourful Staffy sculptures has been unleashed across the county inviting visitors to explore and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Staffordshire Day.
The Staffy Trail launched today with 11 pieces of public art based on the county’s new visitor mascot, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aiming to draw crowds to Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth and Lichfield, plus the wider area.
Designed by local artists and inspired by schoolchildren, each larger-than-life sculpture highlights elements of Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity or communities.
The free, 10-week trail, delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) with Making Trails, is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and generate at least £600,000 for the local visitor economy.
Visitors can download an app to follow the route, unlock rewards and discover local businesses and attractions along the way.
Designs include ‘Jasper’ in Stafford which features heart motifs depicting places to visit. Jasper’s boots represent the former Lotus Shoe factory in the county town and his scarf is decorated in an Emma Bridgewater pattern.
In Tamworth, ‘Clay’, co-designed by 16-year-old competition winner Amy Stokes, features the Staffordshire flag alongside nods to local wildlife including the Tamworth Pig, Trentham’s monkey forest and cultural touches such as ‘Ay up, me Duck’.
Other sculptures celebrate the themes including care and connection, heritage, inclusion, nature and rural communities and transport. They also highlight Staffordshire as a place of opportunity for young people.
Locations span Hanley Park, Goods Yard and Stoke Minster, all in Stoke-on-Trent, Market Square and Staffordshire Place One in Stafford, Frog Lane in Lichfield, Ladybridge and outside St Editha’s Church in Tamworth, and Uttoxeter’s High Street.
Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Staffordshire Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our county special, and this year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate its 10th anniversary.
“The Staffy Trail is a fantastic addition to this year’s celebrations. It will bring people into our towns, support local businesses and help showcase Staffordshire as the nation’s playground — a place full of energy, creativity and great experiences at the heart of the country.
“We’re proud to see this project come to life and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to explore everything we have to offer.”
Themed weeks will be staged to encourage people to experience the trail in different ways.
The first will be ‘Connection week’ – encouraging people to explore the trail by train and bus. Other themes include running and cycling challenges and a dedicated weeks for visitors exploring with their pets.
Printed Staffy Trail maps can be picked up at any Staffordshire library.
- For more information, to download the trail app, and to see what else is happening for Staffordshire Day, follow this link.
- Read today’s Daily Focus story about the Staffordshire Day celebrations taking place in Stafford on bank holiday Monday, here.
