People's Parade to form centrepiece of Centenary celebrations thanks to £125,000 funding boost

Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations have started with a bang thanks to a £125,000 funding boost from Arts Council England.

The money follows a successful funding bid from Stoke Creates Cultural Compact and will support an exciting programme of cultural events to mark the city’s 100th anniversary and celebrate its status as a World Craft City.

The funding will help launch The People’s Parade, a major community event set to take place during the first-ever Stoke-on-Trent Day, part of a year-long celebration of the city’s past, present and future.

Stoke-on-Trent Day will be an annual event held every 5 June to celebrate the city’s history, its culture, and the people who make it great. The People’s Parade will be the main event of the weekend on Saturday, 7 June. Everyone is invited to take part in this fun, family-friendly parade, which will bring people together to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent.

Professor Carola Boehm, chair of Stoke Creates said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding from Arts Council England, which will help us put on a fantastic programme of events for the city’s Centenary. The People’s Parade will highlight Stoke-on-Trent’s rich heritage and its growing creative future. We’re excited for everyone to join in and make this celebration truly special.

“The People's Parade will act as a step-change for our city to communicate that it is not only a place of heritage but also of innovation and creativity. It will do this on our streets, in our libraries, and around our neighbourhoods - and we hope everyone will play their part.”

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that Arts Council England continues to invest in Stoke-on-Trent. Our Centenary year promises to be an incredible celebration of all that makes this city unique, and the People’s Parade will be a highlight of the festivities.

“Stoke-on-Trent Day is a chance for everyone in the city to come together and celebrate our shared history, and take pride in what makes our city special. The People’s Parade will be a fun and inclusive event that people of all ages can enjoy and be part of.”

For more information on the events planned for Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary go to www.sot100.org.uk. Residents are urged to check back regularly as scores of events will be added in coming days, weeks, and throughout the Centenary year.