Communities can share their Stoke-on-Trent stories at special event

Residents are being invited to share their stories of Stoke-on-Trent at an exciting event next month.

Earlier this year, the city council launched the Living Heritage City Trail to highlight the city’s rich history and showcase Stoke-on-Trent as a cultural destination.

Over the next two years, the trail – which has been funded by £100,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – is being developed with the help of local organisations, communities and partners. The final trail is set to go live in March 2025.

Now local arts programme Appetite is hosting a free event to engage with the local community and encourage residents to walk the trail and share their views.

The event – which is called Stories for the Living City – is taking place at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery between 12pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 2 December.

Attendees will get the chance to write their own six-line story with Shahid Iqbal Khan, take part in a photography walk with Nat Willatt, create their very own character with local artist Kidda Kinsey and make a portrait with Daby Obiechefu.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth said: “Our heritage is extremely valuable and a lot of progress has been made to ensure that it is protected for generations to come. We have recently agreed a Public Art Protocol to help inform any future planning decisions and we are currently consulting on plans to further develop our Public Art Inventory.

“The Living City Heritage Trail is a fantastic project and it is really important that we get it right - that’s why we’re engaging with our local communities, through events like this, and asking people to share their views.”

Appetite director Gemma Thomas said: “We have a joy filled afternoon planned and can’t wait to welcome everyone.

“We want to hear people’s stories about our city through activities that a team of artists have created especially for the day. The afternoon is also a chance to have your say about what Appetite are up to. Come along, have a go, we’d love to see you there.”

Tickets are not required for the Stories for the Living City event – just turn up on the day.

For more information about the Living City Heritage Trail, or to leave your feedback, visitwww.visitstoke.co.uk/livingheritagecity