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Articles by So Staffordshire
Staffordshire Moorlands Pride festival returns for 2026
Images: Andrew Billington Organisers of Staffordshire Moorlands Pride have announced the festival will return this summer after its inaugural outing in 2025. The festival is being run by Staffordshire Moorlands–based arts organisation Outside Arts, and will see a weekend of community-led events across from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June 2026. In line with the first event, Staffordshire Moorlands Pride 2026 will take place across towns, villages and community spaces throughout the Moorlands.
Castle Artisan Events unveils fresh new brand identity
An award-winning artisan market events firm has unveiled a revamped brand identity as bosses aim to continue the growth of the business. Castle Artisan Events – which operates artisan markets across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire – aims to champion independent makers and breathe new life into local high streets. It began with a single monthly market in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire six years ago and now features a roster of six artisan market events.
Trentham big top to host Queen musical We Will Rock You
A new live entertainment venue is set to launch at a popular visitor attraction this spring, opening with rock musical We Will Rock You. Big Top Arena is launching at Trentham, in Stoke-on-Trent, this March. As the name suggests, the performances will be housed in a purpose-built, full-heated big top tent. It’s been designed to deliver the atmosphere of a major gig with the comfort and production quality of a modern theatre, bosses said.
Dates confirmed for 2026 Lichfield food festivals
Lichfield District Council has confirmed it will continue to run Lichfield’s food and drink festivals for 2026. The spring and summer events, which are free-of-charge for members of the public to attend, will take place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May as well as Saturday 29 and Monday 31 August. Council bosses said the festivals play an important role in attracting visitors and encouraging people to spend time and money in the city, while also helping to strengthen the local visitor economy.
Lunar New Year celebrations return to Hanley
Lunar New Year celebrations are returning to Hanley’s cultural quarter this February, as the city celebrates the Chinese year of the horse with a full day of events and activities. The free-of-charge celebrations take place on Sunday 22 February in the Spitfire Gallery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery as well as Smithfield, City Central Library and Mitchell Arts Centre.
Tamworth gospel choir celebrates crowdfunding success
Tamworth Community Gospel Choir has successfully reached its crowdfunding goal for a project which will bring gospel music and creative arts to residents across Tamworth borough. The project received support from residents alongside match funding from Tamworth Borough Council through the government’s community recovery fund. As part of the initiative, the choir will run a series of free sessions plus craft workshops and a public performance.
Fred Hughes centenary book tells the story of Stoke-on-Trent
A new book commissioned to mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year has been launched this week. Th book, which is entitled Stoke-on-Trent: The Story of a City, was written by renowned local historian Fred Hughes and produced by local publisher Barewall. It charts key moments and people in the civic life of the city and complements the year-long programme of events and activities that have taken place in 2025. It also reflects on where the city has come from and looks ahead to its next century.
Community energy scheme to power Lichfield’s new leisure centre
Lichfield’s brand new leisure centre will open with power from nearly 400 solar panels which are expected to generate enough electricity to reduce its energy bills by about £6,500 per year. Bosses say the rooftop system is expected to generate around 149,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year – with approximately 90% of the energy used on site and 10% sold to the grid to support a community fund.
Winners announced for Lichfield's Beacon Awards 2025
More than 200 guests came together this week to celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations in and around Lichfield. The 2025 Beacon Awards, hosted by Lichfield District Council at the National Memorial Arboretum, recognised remarkable achievements in enterprise, innovation, community action, sustainability and service to the district. Attendees enjoyed a three course meal before the awards presentation and live music afterwards.
Full cast revealed as Regent Theatre panto takes to the stage
Bosses have announced the full casting lineup for this year’s family pantomime, Cinderella, at the Regent Theatre in Hanley. It opens on Friday 12th December 2025 and runs until Sunday 4th January 2026. Earlier this year, the Regent Theatre revealed Stoke-on-Trent panto favourite Jonathan Wilkes would be starring in the role of Buttons – alongside Kai Owen, as Dandini, returning for his 10th year in the Regent Theatre pantomime.
Peak District campsite is top dog at annual awards
A campsite in the Peak District has been named as the most dog-friendly camping and caravan site in the UK. Longnor Wood Holiday Park, in the Staffordshire Moorlands close to the border with High Peak in Derbyshire, won the accolade which was voted for by the public as part of the annual Dog Friendly Awards scheme. The site was recognised jointly with two other locations owned by its parent company – Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site, near Edinburgh, and Herding Hill Farm in Northumberland.
Find out where you can park for free in Staffordshire this Christmas
As high street retailers gear up for their busiest time of year, a number of local authorities are offering free parking in town centres on select dates. Among them are Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Tamworth Borough Council. More details on which dates are provided below… Stafford and Stone There will be no charges in Stafford Borough Council car parks throughout the day on the 6th, 13th, and 20th of December.
Burton to shine bright with Canvas of Light show this December
Burton is set to be lit up for the festive season like never before, with the launch of a brand new light trail. Canvas of Light, by Luxmuralis, is an immersive experience which will transform two of the town’s most iconic heritage buildings for three evenings this winter. Residents and visitors will be invited to explore the spectacular light projections, free of charge, from 18th to 20th December.
Fast-growing racquet sport padel comes to Shobnall
Leisure bosses have announced new padel courts which are due to open at a centre in Staffordshire by the end of the year. Installation of three courts is due to begin at Shobnall Leisure Complex on 19 November, with work expected to be completed within about three weeks. The £85,000 investment is being jointly funded by East Staffordshire Borough Council and centre operator Everyone Active. The new padel courts will replace three of the centre’s six concrete tennis courts.
Tamworth residents urged to shop local on Small Business Saturday
Residents of a Staffordshire town are being urged to “shop local” on Small Business Saturday to support independent businesses. Taking place on 6th December, the day is a national initiative which aims to encourage shoppers to back their local communities during an important trading period for many retailers and hospitality firms. In Tamworth, the campaign is being backed by the borough council which is offering free parking in all council-run car parks.
Trentham winter light trail returns for 2025 season
Trentham’s winter light trail is returning from the end of November until the beginning of January. Organisers of the spectacle promise “a glittering adventure” where families can make “unforgettable memories” this winter. The light trail spans more than a mile, and features brand new installations as well as interactive experiences and soundscapes. It takes place at the Trentham Estate from Friday 21st November 2025 until Sunday 4th January 2026.
Ay up me ducks - look who’s back again this year!
Jonny Wilkes is due to make his twenty-first panto appearance at Hanley’s Regent Theatre this year, as he takes to the stage as Buttons in Cinderella. It will be his fifth outing in the role for Wilkes, who has enjoyed a varied career – including roles in Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, Guys and Dolls, and Grease as well as hosting duties on tv shows You’ve Been Framed and Love on a Saturday Night. “I’m so excited to be back at the Regent Theatre for another amazing panto season,” Wilkes said.
Laying the foundations for Leek’s new leisure centre
Work on the redevelopment of a leisure centre in Staffordshire is continuing at pace, according to the local authority. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said the demolition phase at Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek was now complete and the foundations were being laid for the new structure. The £17 million project to expand and fully modernise the facilities is set to provide a new health and wellbeing centre for the town, due to reopen in early 2026.
Lichfield District Jobs Fair taking place next week
People looking for work are invited to attend Lichfield District Jobs Fair which is being held next week. The event offers an opportunity for jobseekers to meet with local employers recruiting in a wide variety of sectors.
Free fun day at Burntwood Leisure Centre this Saturday
A fun day is being held at a Staffordshire leisure centre – with a range of activities on offer and competitions to take part in, all free of charge. Burntwood Leisure Centre is hosting the event on Saturday(15th February) which will also include the official opening of the new skate park. There will be a climbing wall scaling competition with prizes for the winner and runners up.
National 'club of the year' win for Staffordshire social club
A social club in Staffordshire has been named the winner of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) club of the year competition 2024. The Firs Club, in Codsall, beat three other finalists to take the crown as the best in the UK. After being named West Midlands regional winner for three years in a row, this is the first time the Firs Club has won the national contest.
Half-term holiday sports sessions for children in Tamworth
Tamworth Borough Council has funded a series of half-term holiday activities for children this February. They take place from Monday 17th to Friday 21st February, offering a programme of roller skating, trampolining, football and cycling for children aged 12 and under. Cllr Lewis Smith said: “These activities are always a huge success and are very popular, so I would encourage people to sign up as soon as possible so that they don’t miss out.
Celebrating 50 years of Gladstone Pottery Museum
As the city of Stoke-on-Trent prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, one of its historical gems is also marking a milestone birthday. Gladstone Pottery Museum – based in the grade II* listed buildings of the former Gladstone and Roslyn works – was saved from demolition in 1970 after the pottery closed, about 10 years after its bottle ovens were last fired. The site was turned into a museum in 1974, and opened to the public in 1975.
More headliners join Trentham line-up this May
The latest headliners have been announced for a forthcoming concert series in Stoke-on-Trent this May. Bosses at the Trentham estate have confirmed Jax Jones and The House & Garage Orchestra will co-headline the Saturday night on 31st May 2025. The announcements completes the line-up, with The Wombats confirmed for the Thursday and Ocean Colour Scene confirmed for the Friday.
Community group makes history with move into landmark building - So Counties
A community group in Staffordshire is setting up a new hub to celebrate a city’s history in one of its most remarkable buildings – which has never before been fully opened up to the public. Lichfield Discovered will hold workshops, tours, events, talks and displays in The Schoolmaster’s House on St John Street for an initial five-year period, through an agreement with the local council.
Community shines a light on town’s mining heritage
A light is shining once again on Biddulph’s mining legacy, courtesy of a restoration project to replace the town’s ornamental miner’s lamps. The lamps were installed at the St John’s Road roundabout by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in 2004 as part of a regeneration project but had to be removed in 2022 after falling into disrepair. New lamps have now been installed at the site after Biddulph Town Council and the district council worked together to bring the scheme to fruition.
Landmarks to turn purple for Holocaust Memorial Day
Tamworth Castle will join other prominent landmarks around the country by turning purple for Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Holocaust Memorial Day remembers all aspects of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution as well as subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
First Tamworth town centre regeneration project completed
The first project in a Staffordshire town’s £21m regeneration scheme has been completed. Tamworth Borough Council and Nationwide Building Society celebrated the opening of the new building society premises on Market Street earlier this month. The local authority handed over the renovated building, a replica of its original Georgian style, to the building society in July 2024 so they could complete the shop front and interior fit.
Empty high street shop leases to be auctioned off under new powers
Shops in Lichfield and Burntwood that have been empty for 12 months or more could see their leases auctioned off, under new powers from the government. Lichfield District Council announced the proposals, which will require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial premises. The new powers were introduced at the end of last year by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the authority is an early adopter.
The Wombats to headline Trentham gig this May
The Wombats are set to headline the opening night of a new series of live music events this May, which help mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year. The concerts, taking place at the Trentham estate, are part of the Stoke 100 celebrations, a year-long programme marking a century since King George V granted Stoke-on-Trent its city status. The Wombats will be taking to the stage on Thursday 29th May, with support from Pale Waves and Red Rum Club.
Bake Off stars join Stone Food and Drink Festival 2025 line-up
Three contestants from The Great British Bake Off will be showing off their skills at this year’s Stone Food and Drink Festival. The event takes place on 9th, 10th and 11th May at Westbridge Park. Friday’s headliner is the show’s 2024 alumni Sumayah Kazi, while Saturday will see 2023 winner Matty Edgell take the stage and Sunday will see 2024 contestant Nelly Ghaffar entertaining the crowds. The trio are part of a new-look lineup for the event, which marks its 20th year in 2025.
New food waste collections coming to Lichfield and Tamworth
Residents in Lichfield and Tamworth will be getting new food waste containers, as the area’s shared waste collection service prepares for the government’s Simpler Recycling roll out. All councils in England will be required to provide separate food waste collections from March 2026. The aim is to standardise recycling across the country and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Free parking on Saturdays in Stoke-on-Trent's six towns
All six towns in Stoke-on-Trent are set to benefit from a free car parking day this month, in a bid to help give a boost to the city’s retailers at Christmas. The offer is only available at specific car parks on specific days – more details below. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has organised the free parking at its surface-level (ie: not multi-storey) car parks in Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Tunstall, Stoke and also Meir. On-street parking will continue to be charged as usual.
Free weekend parking at Lichfield multi-storey for Christmas shoppers
Beep, beep! Visitors to Lichfield can take advantage of free weekend car parking at the Friary multi storey car park as Christmas shopping swings into action. The free parking offer follows a successful first outing for the scheme last year, where footfall increased by almost a third during December. Lichfield District Council said it hoped to welcome visitors to the city centre, where people can shop, dine and socialise while the free parking makes it easier to enjoy.
New businesses announced as Leek indoor markets re-open
After a delayed reopening, the tills are finally beginning to ring again for traders in Leek’s indoor markets. Some traders were welcoming customers back on Wednesday (27th November) while others will be returning on Friday and Saturday (29th and 30th November). The revamped indoor markets have had a £3.4m transformation, and there’s more in store – as two new food and drink businesses will be rolling back the shutters on Friday 6th December.
Free parking in Tamworth to support Small Business Saturday
Tamworth residents are being encouraged to shop locally and support independent businesses in their town as part of the national Small Business Saturday on 7th December. As in previous years, Tamworth Borough Council is offering free car parking at all council-run car parks. Small Business Saturday is a national campaign, which highlights small businesses and takes place on the first Saturday in December, but it aims to have a lasting impact throughout the rest of the year.
Grant funding signals go-ahead for heritage rail project
A historic railway signal box in Staffordshire has been re-installed along the Churnet Valley Railway, thanks to grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board. The original signal box at the Basford Bridge Lane level crossing, in Cheddleton, was demolished by British Rail in the 1960s. The box that is now there is an original North Staffordshire Railway box which was recovered from the Elton Crossing near Sandbach.
Christmas free parking dates in the Staffordshire Moorlands
Parking will be free on of charge on select Saturdays in November and December in Staffordshire Moorlands District Council car parks. The initiative aims to support shoppers and businesses in the build-up to Christmas and the new year. Cllr Charlotte Atkins said: “We know that offering free parking is always welcomed by our residents and visitors and gives our businesses and seasonal events a boost.
Community heroes honoured at Beacon Awards 2024
Businesses and community heroes in Lichfield were honoured at the 2024 Beacon Awards celebration this week. The event, organised by Lichfield District Council, culminated at a gala celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). The event was compered by Cllr Alex Farrell at the NMA’s Aspects conference centre. Council leader, Cllr Doug Pullen said: “I’d like to offer huge congratulations to all of the businesses and community heroes who received awards this year.
New images released as work gets underway at leisure centre
New images have been shared, showing how Leek’s leisure centre will look when it reopens in 2026. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council bosses said Brough Park Leisure Centre will be transformed with modern new facilities and services for the community. Earlier this year, more than 300 people took part in a consultation on the design and how outside spaces could be used.
Historic castle to host terrifying tales this spooky season
Families can look forward to a range of events taking place this autumn at Tamworth Castle. Cllr Lewis Smith, from Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Halloween is soon approaching and now is the time to start booking your tickets to enjoy a range of spooky events at Tamworth Castle. “The castle is the perfect setting to embrace the scary and have a fun time with your friends and family.
Big changes at council leisure facilities in Staffordshire Moorlands
There are three big changes happening at leisure facilities in the Staffordshire Moorlands this October. From 1st October, the leisure centres in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek will be run by a new council-owned company. In addition, Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek will be closing for a year and half while an extensive refurbishment takes place. Meanwhile, new outdoor exercise equipment has been installed at Birchall Recreation Ground in Leek.
Lichfield recognised for its safe and vibrant nighttime economy
Lichfield has been recognised for its commitment to delivering a safe and well-managed nighttime economy. The city was granted Purple Flag status – similar to the Blue Flag status award to beaches. Judges from the Association of Town and City Management visited in August to assess Lichfield’s entertainment, dining and culture and the measures taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
This week: jobs fair in Lichfield
People looking for work have an opportunity to meet with a range of employers at Lichfield District Jobs Fair on Tuesday. The event, which is being organised jointly by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield Job Centre, is being attended by employers who are actively recruiting. It’s taking place at Lichfield Guildhall on Bore Street in Lichfield (WS13 6LU) on Tuesday 19th March from 10am until midday.
Work underway to reduce carbon emissions at town’s leisure centre
Work to install new technology to reduce carbon emissions at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre is now well underway, according to bosses. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council secured a grant worth £1.9m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and is supplementing this from council funds to meet the costs of the project.
Weird Fish re-opens at Trentham following full refit
Posted on 9 April, 2023 by So Staffordshire A national clothing brand has returned to Trentham Shopping Village after a full shop re-fit. Weird Fish, which has 23 stores across the UK, opened this week in a 1,000 sq ft store offering a range of seasonal clothing and accessories for men and women. The store can be found at Unit 206b – and bosses say the stores range is designed to give a relaxed, ‘forever weekend’ feeling.
Final acts announced for Trentham Live 2023
Posted on 29 March, 2023 by So Staffordshire Bosses at the Trentham Estate have announced the final acts to complete the line-up for this year’s Trentham Live concerts. Following the surprise announcement earlier this month that Trentham Live 2023 has been extended to five days, bosses have revealed that McFly and The Hoosiers will be performing on Wednesday 16th August 2023.
Beavers return to Trentham
Posted on 29 March, 2023 by So Staffordshire Beavers have been welcomed back to the grade II* listed gardens at Trentham. They’ll be housed in a 182-acre enclosure within the Capability Brown parkland in Stoke-on-Trent. The family of Eurasian beavers, a native species known for the benefits they bring to ecosystems, have been reintroduced to the historic landscape as part of a collaboration with a number of wildlife organisations.
Call for entries for Staffordshire best kept village competition
Posted on 12 March, 2023 by So Staffordshire The 2023 Staffordshire Best Kept Village Competition is now open for entries. Organisers want villagers across the county to showcase the pride they have in their village and illustrate social benefits as well as the beauty of where they live. Once again, a cash prize will be awarded to the best small and large village winners.
More acts announced for Trentham Live 2023
Posted on 11 March, 2023 by So Staffordshire The Trentham Estate has revealed more acts heading to Staffordshire this summer as part of Trentham Live 2023. Organisers have extended this year’s programme, and have confirmed that the event will now span five days rather than the usual four. This means five shows hosted in the unique outdoor setting of The Trentham Estate near Stoke-on-Trent.
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