Stoke-on-Trent is preparing to hand over the Centenary baton to a second city celebrating 100 years of city status in 2026, as Kelvin the Kiln heads to Salford.
The home of MediaCityUK and birthplace of LS Lowry, Emmeline Pankhurst and Christopher Eccleston will mark 100 years of city status on 21 April 2026.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary mascot, Kelvin the Kiln, visited Salford to pass on the baton as the city prepares for its year-long programme of celebrations.
It follows on from his visit to Portsmouth last month as the port city prepares to mark its own Centenary next year.
During the visit to Salford, Kelvin toured some of Salford’s best-known landmarks, including the Lowry theatre and MediaCityUK, as well as the iconic Salford Lads Club. He also paid a visit to the famous Coronation Street cobbles, recognising Salford’s long-standing role in shaping British television and popular culture.
The legendary street was inspired by the real-life Archie Street in Salford’s Ordsall area, with filming moving from the old Granada Studios in Manchester to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.
Kelvin was accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, who presented the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Heather Fletcher, with a special Centenary plate – crafted for Stoke-on-Trent by Moorland Pottery. In return, Salford gifted the city a range of Salford themed gifts.
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “Passing the baton to Salford is another proud moment for our city. We were made very welcome and it was a pleasure to visit places that mean so much to Salford’s identity, from world-class cultural venues to the Coronation Street cobbles known across the country.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Salford celebrates its Centenary next year. I know it will be an amazing year for them. As a fellow city shaped by industry, creativity and strong communities, Salford is well placed to mark its Centenary in a way that reflects both its history and its future.
“Here in Stoke-on-Trent we’re used to our ceramics being distributed around the country, and indeed the world, but these handovers are particularly special. I’m proud that a plate from Stoke-on-Trent’s own Moorland Pottery will be part of the Salford100 preparations.”
The Salford Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Heather Fletcher added: “It’s a really exciting time as we get ready for 2026 and the visit from Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Kelvin the Kiln has really got us in the centenary spirit for next year!
“It’s been a pleasure to welcome them to Salford and great they have helped us launch our new Centenary flag. It’s also been extremely useful to share thoughts and ideas on the importance of and how to celebrate our Centenary year.”
Salford is one of 24 Key Cities - a cross-party network, also including Stoke-on-Trent and Portsmouth, that reflects and represents urban living in the UK. The group reflects the reality of modern urban life in the UK and brings together cities that share similar histories, strengths and challenges.
With three Key Cities celebrating their Centenaries across two consecutive years, the handovers create an important link between places that have shaped industry, culture and innovation across the country.
Key Cities are the engines of the UK economy. They bring together talent, investment and innovation, driving growth in finance, tech, manufacturing and creative industries. By creating jobs, attracting businesses and supporting trade, they boost productivity and prosperity across the UK, benefiting both local communities and the wider country. Together, the cities represented by Key Cities support more than 5.5 million people and contribute around £122 billion annually – around seven per cent of the UK economy.
As Stoke-on-Trent looks forward to its next century, these cities – including Portsmouth and Salford - will continue to lead in driving new industries and opportunities. From supporting small businesses and creative talent to connecting the UK to global markets, they play a vital role in shaping a resilient, prosperous economy for everyone.
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