Stoke-on-Trent will celebrate 35 years of friendship with its twin city Erlangen, with a special event honouring the enduring bond between the two communities.
The event - on 15 October - will see a cherry tree planted and a new pathway at the Smithfield site officially named Erlangen Way in a tribute to the lasting partnership between the two cities. The gesture mirrors Erlangen’s existing Stoke-on-Trent Straße, symbolising a shared spirit of friendship and reciprocity.
As part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations, civic representatives from both cities will attend, including the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and the leader of the majority party in Erlangen, who will travel to the city to take part in the ceremony.
The twinning between Stoke-on-Trent and Erlangen was formalised in December 1989 and has flourished through cultural exchanges, educational links and civic collaborations. The cherry tree – chosen due to the prominent cherry tree growing regions in Bavaria – will serve as a living tribute to the friendship.
Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This is a proud moment for our city. As we celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent and 35 years of friendship with Erlangen, we’re recognising a partnership that has enriched both communities. Erlangen Way and the cherry tree will stand as lasting symbols of our shared values and international friendship.”
Martin Ogiermann, visiting Stoke-on-Trent for the first time, says: "We are deeply honoured to be included in all the festivities around Stoke's centenary celebrations. As your German friends for 35 years now, we hope the partnership will bloom like the cherry tree we will be planting together."
Nicky Twemlow of the YMCA North Staffordshire, said: “YMCA North Staffordshire is delighted to see the friendship between Stoke on Trent and our twinned city Erlangen, developing and growing. We are working closely with YMCA Erlangen and looking forward to the youth exchange 20206 which will see young people from Stoke on Trent visiting Erlangen, and the welcome young people from Erlangen to the city.”
Later this month, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will mark 35 years of friendship with Erlangen with a special event linking both cities via live video. The celebration will take place at Commerce House, Festival Park, on Thursday 23 October, bringing together local representatives, students and guests from both sides of the partnership.
The event will feature former Stoke-on-Trent MP Joan Walley, who played a key role in establishing the twinning in 1989, alongside students from Stoke on Trent College sharing reflections from their recent visit to Erlangen.
The free event can be booked online at: https://my.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-training/event-calendar/stoke-on-trent-erlangen-celebrating-35-years-of-friendship-oct25.html
Tom Nadin, Interim Deputy Chief Executive, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “It’s brilliant to see Stoke-on-Trent and Erlangen celebrating 35 years of friendship in our Centenary year – and what better way than with a cherry tree and the brand-new Erlangen Way! Our connection with Erlangen has always been about people, culture and shared experiences, and it’s great to see that spirit still going strong. This celebration perfectly captures the pride and creativity that make Stoke-on-Trent such a special place.”
Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College said: “Earlier this year a number of our learners had the opportunity to visit Erlangen as part of the Challenge Erlangen enrichment programme. The insights they gained from our partners in Erlangen has enhanced their College experience, and we’re honoured to play our part in the renewed relationship between the two cities.”
Community Manager at Smithfield, Adele Simmons said: “We are delighted to be a part of the celebrations and to have Erlangen Way as part of Smithfield, as this signifies not only Stoke-on-Trent’s past and present - but also the future."
CEO of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Richard Buxton: "It is fantastic to see this special partnership between Stoke-on-Trent and Erlangen immortalised in the city centre in our centenary year. We look forward to seeing visitors, residents and businesses of the city centre explore Erlangen Way and the newly planted cherry tree."
The celebration forms part of a wider programme of Centenary events taking place across 2025, highlighting Stoke-on-Trent’s connections, creativity and community spirit.
For more information go to sot100.org.uk
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