Packed programme for ninth Staffordshire Day celebrations

More than 30 events have been lined up to help celebrate the ninth annual Staffordshire Day next month.

This year’s bumper celebration will start on Wednesday 1 May and run through to Monday 6 May, Bank Holiday Monday, providing plenty of opportunities to take part in a packed programme of events across the county – many of them free.

On the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up the world-famous pottery firm, World of Wedgwood in Barlaston has free taster factory tours of the Wedgwood Factory (1 May).

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival will be in full swing, with a range of walks from a one-mile, accessible walk at Brough Park in Leek (1 May), to the strenuous Staffs 3 Peaks Challenge on Monday 6.

The Great British Food Festival, at The Trentham Estate (4-6 May) and Dine ‘n’ Devour, at Tamworth Castle Grounds (4-5), showcase the best British produce, while Amerton Farm’s brand new Artisan Hall will be officially opened by Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, on 1 May.

The National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, will host ‘The Year was 1944’ (4-5 May), with live music, dance workshops, and children’s crafts and games.

Uttoxeter Racecourse has the ABBA Party Raceday on 4 May, offering seven thrilling races, followed by a night of ABBA hits from tribute act Revival, while Weston Park has its Spring Plant Fair, with specialist nurseries on hand to provide garden-related advice (5-6 May).

And Drayton Manor Park will bring spectacular fireworks, live music, late rides and more to the celebrations on 5 May!

At the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, ‘Shot in Staffordshire’ (4 May) will see two films with connections to the county – Soulboy, starring Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, and Jawbone, featuring Ray Winstone – shown back-to-back.

Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Interim Chair of Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent LVEP, said:

“With less than two weeks now to go until Staffordshire Day, the excitement is really starting to ramp up.

“It’s an important and proud day for everyone living in Staffordshire and when we tell the world what a great place it is. 

“There’s already over 30 events listed for the day and over the Bank Holiday weekend and more being added every day. 

“There will be an event for everyone so whether it’s a food and drink festival, vintage fayre, arts market or a themed walk in our captivating countryside, please get the date of 1 May in your diary.”