Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the University of Staffordshire and Cross Rhythms City Radio are teaming up to celebrate the city’s centenary with a new vodcast series celebrating local heritage, culture and inspiring individuals.
This year Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating their grant of city status in 1925 by George V in recognition of its contribution to the pottery industry. Planning for the celebration began in January 2024.
Stoke-on-Trent 100 Voices of the Centenary vodcast
The vodcast Stoke-on-Trent – 100 Voices of the Centenary will be broadcast on YouTube and makers say it “will spotlight the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and inspiring individuals who have shaped the city over the past 100 years”. Guests will reflect on their connection to the city and their hopes for its future; there will also be regular features about what makes Stoke-on-Trent unique.
Council Leader Jane Ashworth said it was a “meaningful achievement” for the city to reach its centenary. She added that the vodcast was a way to celebrate the “resilience, creativity, and community spirit of Stoke-on-Trent”, and that it would inspire “pride and connection across the city”.
Jonathan Bellamy, CEO of Cross Rhythms Radio, the vodcast will be recorded at their studios in Hanley, said the city has an “incredible story to tell, and this vodcast will give voice to those stories”. The first episode will feature the playwright and actor Deborah McAndrew who has been a tireless promoter of the arts in the city in her position as Artistic Director of the Claybody Theatre.
Stoke-on-Trent centenary celebrations
A year of events celebrating the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent began in January with a concert at the King’s Hall in Stoke town centre, marking 62 years since the Beatles played a gig in the city. It was the first of four concerts to be held throughout the year. The city’s long association with the Northern Soul scene will be celebrated with a concert in April with DJs from the famous Torch club taking part.
On 7th June a People’s Parade will take place in the city following a successful bid for funding from Arts Council England by Stoke Creates. This will celebrate, amongst other achievements, Stoke-on-Trent attaining World Craft City status and will launch Stoke-on-Trent Day. It will be celebrated annually on 5th June. Professor Carola Bohem, Chair of Stoke Creates, said they were “thrilled” to have gained funding for an event that will “highlight Stoke-on-Trent’s rich heritage and its growing creative future”.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Staffordshire Martin Jones said the centenary was a “milestone” providing the opportunity to celebrate the “people and industries” that have made Stoke-on-Trent “such a unique place”. He added that the University of Staffordshire was proud to be part of a project that “brings our community together to celebrate the past and inspire the future”.
