Stoke-on-Trent's year-long centenary programme marking 100 years of city status has been evaluated as a major success that strengthened civic pride and showcased the city's culture and heritage.
The review, 'Stoke-on-Trent Centenary: a review', concludes that the celebrations engaged young people and brought the city together while generating international attention.
Events and Participation
More than 70 major events and hundreds of community activities took place during 2025, including festivals, exhibitions, performances, sporting events, heritage projects and neighbourhood celebrations.
More than 15,000 people helped break a Guinness World Record at the Big Centenary Tea Party. Around 1,000 participants and 10,000 spectators attended the People's Parade, which formed the centrepiece of the first Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations.
Community celebrations also took place at the Houses of Parliament and in Erlangen, Stoke-on-Trent's twin city.
Collaboration and Partnership
The council worked with more than 40 partner organisations to deliver the programme. Volunteers, schools, colleges, community and faith groups, cultural organisations and local businesses all played a part in its delivery.
Raising the City's Profile
Travel media coverage showcased Stoke-on-Trent as a cultural destination. Time Out named Stoke-on-Trent one of the UK's best places to visit.
A centenary social media campaign generated more than 11 million impressions, bringing the city's heritage and creativity to audiences around the world.
Funding and Future Plans
The programme was delivered without placing pressure on the council's General Fund. Funding came through the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund alongside sponsorship, grants, donations and support from partners, volunteers and organisations across the city.
Partnerships formed during the centenary are now helping to drive the city's response to its heritage emergency and the development of a new Culture and Heritage Strategy. Future100, an ambitious vision for Stoke-on-Trent's next century, builds on the momentum of the centenary year.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "People, businesses, schools, volunteers, community groups, cultural organisations and council teams all came together to create something extraordinary."