Stoke-on-Trent Day returns as city builds on Centenary celebrations

Stoke-on-Trent Day will return on 5 June 2026 as people across the city and around the world are encouraged to celebrate all things Stoke-on-Trent.

The first Stoke-on-Trent Day was held last year during the city’s Centenary celebrations, which brought together communities, organisations and residents to celebrate 100 years of city status.
 

Now the event will become an annual celebration of the city’s history, culture, communities and identity.
 

Following the success of last year’s Big Centenary Tea Party, people are once again being encouraged to come together with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent.
 

Communities across the city are being encouraged to organise their own tea parties and share photographs on social media using #SOTDay and #BigStokeonTrentTeaParty
 

The day marks the anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent being granted city status by King George V on 5 June 1925.
 

A new exhibition at Stoke Minster will also revisit the world record-breaking event through photography, film, sound and interactive displays.
 

Events and activities taking place around Stoke-on-Trent Day will also celebrate the lasting legacy of the Centenary and the city’s future, including:
 

• The launch of eight bronze wayfinding markers along the Living Heritage City trail
   
• The extension of the Willow Pattern: Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ exhibition at the Spode Museum following popular demand
   
• Continued work with IFK Legacy CIC exploring long-term plans for the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem as a venue dedicated to Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister
   
• Major regeneration projects including Spode Works and Etruscan Square progressing as part of wider investment plans
   
• A refreshed Art on Your Doorstep exhibition from the National Gallery featuring new work by local artist Charles William Brown
   

The day will begin with the Stoke-on-Trent Day Civic Prayer Breakfast, hosted by Saltbox at the King’s Hall in Stoke. Faith leaders, civic figures and community members will come together to mark the occasion.
 

Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Joan Bell, said: “The first Stoke-on-Trent Day was a fantastic celebration of our city and the people who make it special.
 

“It brought people together and gave them the chance to celebrate everything they love about Stoke-on-Trent.
 

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved again this year, whether that’s by holding a tea party, joining an event or simply taking a moment to celebrate our city and everything that makes it unique.”