Posted on Thursday 25th March 2021
Keeley Spilsbury from Staffordshire Libraries service
Zoom calls with local authors, poetry readings, history talks and family quizzes Are some of the online activities being organised by the county’s libraries service for this year’s Staffordshire Day.
With just over a month to go until Staffordshire Day on Saturday 1 May, people are being urged to check out the online activities being organised by their local library.
Amongst the events will be a special poetry event hosted by the Staffordshire Poet Laureate Mel Woodend. Book fans will be given the chance to take part in a special author event featuring a panel discussion of Staffordshire authors.
Lichfield local historian and tour guide, Jonathan Oates, better known to many as Jono Will also be premiering a special video on the day. Families are also getting the chance to take part in a Staffordshire Day quiz and there will be a host of content on the libraries social media channels throughout the day.
Janene Cox, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Every year, our libraries join in the Staffordshire Day celebrations with a host of fantastic activities, and I know this year won’t disappoint.
“There will be something for everyone, from author talks, poetry workshops, online crafts to family quizzes and much more.
“Staffordshire Day on 1 May is our chance to show off and tell everyone about our amazing county, so please remember to join in the activities and celebrations on the day.”
Taking centre stage for this year’s celebrations is the first ever Staffordshire Day Film Festival. The event will give both amateur and professional filmmakers the opportunity to produce their own film featuring connections to the county. Any movie which promotes the county can be submitted, as long as it was made within the last five years, and is not longer than 30 minutes.
People can find out more about the competition along with details of film categories and how to submit their films
Other activities will include an online virtual marketplace on the day to help support the county’s businesses. In addition to planned events, organisers Enjoy Staffordshire and Staffordshire County Council are also keen for people, organisations and businesses to host their own events and come forward with other ideas.
The date, decided by a public vote in 2015, is the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up his world-famous Staffordshire pottery company in 1759.