Posted on Wednesday 1st May 2024
Baldwins Gate Primary School pupils enjoy Staffordshire Day
Thousands of people from across Staffordshire joined in the fun for the county’s ninth Staffordshire Day celebrations today (Wednesday 1 May).
Over 30 events will mark the day with attractions, businesses and organisations coming together to show their pride in the county.
Highlights included the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival, with a range of scenic walks for all abilities. Meanwhile, at World of Wedgwood, visitors got the chance to have a tour of the factory while Amerton Farm launched their brand new Artisan Hall as part of the celebrations. At Staffordshire University, they marked the day with an introduction to their new Chancellor, Staffordshire explorer and writer, Major Levison Wood.
An art project with school children from across the county celebrating what Staffordshire means to them has also taken place to celebrate the day. Six artists visited eleven schools to produce bunting, collages, line drawings and create dances inspired by the county’s heritage. The works and creations are now on display at Lichfield Cathedral and at World of Wedgwood. The project was organised by We Are Staffordshire, the place marketing delivery organisation for the county with the aim to inspire young people’s pride in Staffordshire.
Still to come, 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 said:
“It’s great to see so many people and organisations joining in the celebrations for Staffordshire Day and showing pride in where they live.
“This is our ninth celebration which continues to go from strength to strength. As in previous years there were lots of different activities including a walking festival in the Staffordshire Moorlands, tours at World of Wedgwood and the launch of a brand new artisan hall at Amerton Farm. It’s also been great to get school children involved and good to see their creations on display.
“We all know what a great place Staffordshire is to live in and visit and this is our day. It’s our chance to tell everyone what a wonderful county it really is. And, the fun doesn’t end today, there’s still lots happening over the bank holiday weekend too, so make sure you get the chance to join in the celebrations.”
Staffordshire Day events will continue throughout the week and over the bank holiday weekend, including the Great British Food Festival, at The Trentham Estate (4-6 May) and Dine ‘n’ Devour, at Tamworth Castle Grounds (4-5May).
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.
The date for Staffordshire Day is 1 May and was chosen by the public in 2015 and marks the creation of the world-famous Wedgwood pottery company back in 1759.
For more information on events near you visit the Enjoy Staffordshire website.