People across Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to celebrate the city’s history, communities and future as Stoke-on-Trent Day returns today (Friday, 5 June).
The annual event was launched during last year’s Centenary celebrations, which marked 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status by King George V on this day in 1925.
Residents, community groups and organisations are once again being invited to hold tea parties, attend events and share their celebrations on social media using the hashtags #SOTDay and #BigStokeonTrentTeaParty.
One of the centrepieces of this year’s celebrations will be a new exhibition at Stoke Minster revisiting the world record-breaking Big Centenary Tea Party, which brought together more than 15,000 people at 169 locations in 2025. s
Using photography, film, sound and interactive displays, the free exhibition – created by YMCA North Staffordshire, Stoke Minster, Carse and Waterman and PH Production Services – will allow visitors to relive one of the key moments of the city’s Centenary year.
Nichola Twemlow, CEO of YMCA North Staffordshire, said: “Last year showed the very best of Stoke-on-Trent. More than 15,000 people stopped, connected, shared a cuppa, and became part of something bigger than themselves. This achievement was never just about breaking a world record – it was about celebrating community, kindness, belonging, and the incredible spirit of our city.”
Other projects being highlighted around Stoke-on-Trent Day include the launch of eight bronze wayfinding markers along the Living Heritage City trail, the extended Willow Pattern: Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ exhibition at the Spode Museum, and continuing work to explore long-term plans for the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem as a venue dedicated to Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister.
Major regeneration schemes, including Spode Works and Etruscan Square, are also continuing as part of wider investment plans for the city.
Councillor Joan Bell, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The first Stoke-on-Trent Day was a fantastic celebration of our city and the people who make it special.
“It brought people together and gave them the chance to celebrate everything they love about Stoke-on-Trent.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved again this year, whether that’s by holding a tea party, joining an event or simply taking a moment to celebrate our city and everything that makes it unique.”
Businesses are also joining in with the celebrations. Electric vehicle drivers will be able to charge their cars for half price at Etruria Mills throughout Stoke-on-Trent Day through an initiative organised by chargepointoperator RAW Charging. Drivers using the offer will also receive a £5 Costa Coffee voucher.
Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, said: “Stoke-on-Trent Day is a chance for the city to come together and we wanted to mark it in a way that gives something back. Half price charging is a practical way to do that, giving local EV drivers a reason to come out, plug in and enjoy everything the area has to offer.”
The day will begin with the Stoke-on-Trent Day Civic Prayer Breakfast, hosted by Saltbox at the King’s Hall in Stoke, bringing together faith leaders, civic representatives and community members.
Councillor Steve Watkins, former Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The Big Tea Party was one of the standout moments of our Centenary year. From Stoke-on-Trent to Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords, people across the world joined in to mark our 100th birthday and we even broke a world record along the way.
“It was a reminder of our city’s motto, Vis Unita Fortior – united strength is stronger. As we prepare to celebrate the second Stoke-on-Trent Day, it’s a great moment to look back on last year’s celebrations and to get together with friends, family and colleagues over a brew once again on 5 June to celebrate our city and all things Stoke-on-Trent.
