Festivals & Markets to go to this Spring!

This is your guide to festivals and markets across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area this spring! With so much going on this season, we have picked out the best events for music, food and drink, arts and culture and the outdoors!  

Getting back to nature  

Explore the city and beyond with festivals that help you connect with nature. Wander amongst the spring floral displays at Trentham Gardens, where they have planted over 1 million bulbs, creating a stunning burst of colour for their Spring Bulb festival, which is expected to last until 17 May. The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival will encourage visitors to put their best foot forward and take part in a jam-packed programme of walks from 24 April to 4 May, with routes to suit all ages and abilities, including those ideal for families and prams. Walk across the beautiful landscape of the moorlands, taking in the sights of Luds Church, the Roaches and Hen Cloud, with some of the starting points leaving from Park Hall nature reserve in Stoke-on-Trent.  

Music 

If music is more your thing, then look no further than the home of rock legend Lemmy and a cracking array of grassroots music talent. The organisers behind the striking Stoke 100 mural have curated the Foundry Festival, a two-day celebration, powered by the potteries, which will take place on 2 & 3 May across three venues and two outdoor stages, with the mural as the iconic backdrop. Expect performances showcasing the thriving underground music scene and artists shaping raw, powerful music from the city. On 24 May, Burslem is the place to be with the launch of the Urban Rock Festival. As the birthplace of Motorhead legend Lemmy, the newly installed statue will watch over seven bands, including tribute band Motorheadache with original Motorhead drummer Lucas Fox. Accompanying the live music, the event will feature talks from ‘Krusher’ and special Lemmy exhibitions at the Barewall Art Gallery.  

Arts and Culture  

If there is one thing Stoke-on-Trent can do well, it's an inspiring arts scene, whether that be with clay or paper. And through the skilful and talented team at Urban Wilderness, who have created a brilliant festival that will bring the streets of Longton alive with colour on 26 April. Their preparation starts months in advance to create the life-size puppets and costumes to adorn the wonderfully named ‘Pig Walk’ event! This is not one to miss. Middleport Pottery will host its Spring Festival, featuring a fun-filled day of creativity and sustainability in celebration of Earth Day. It’s a family-friendly event that makes a difference. No visit to Stoke-on-Trent would be complete without visiting the canal that sweeps through the city, and here you will find the Etruria Canals Festival happening on 30 and 31 May. Alongside this historic narrowboat gathering, there will be a range of workshops, performances and crafts. Not forgetting the beer tent! The theme this year is World of Gardens to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Stoke-on-Trent Garden Festival.  

Food & Drink 

Discover the Friday Feast at the Goods Yard, Stoke’s newest neighbourhood. On 24 April, the courtyard will be buzzing with street food, drinks and live music, with treats from Backyard Burgers and Feast of the East. Head over to Trentham on 2 May for the Great British Food Festival, which brings together the very best of British produce. The event is dog-friendly, and visitors (and dogs) can explore over 100 traders in the beautiful grounds of Trentham Gardens. A little further down the road, you arrive in the Canal town of Stone, which hosts its annual Stone Food and Drink Festival, a three-day extravaganza, 8-10 May, with celebrity chef demonstrations, traders, entertainment, and, most importantly, a steady supply of food and drink!  

Artisan Markets  

Spring is also a good time to visit one of the city's Artisan Markets. Markets like these are a great opportunity to get out, support small businesses, and shop local. In Stoke-on-Trent, there is a plethora of markets spread across the city. World of Wedgwood hosts its Artisan Market on the second day of every month, from 10am – 4pm, with 40 stalls present in the courtyard, alongside which you can visit the Wedgwood Tea Room, Lunar Restaurant and Six Towns Distillery and Bar. Just down the road, Trentham have their Makers Market at Trentham Shopping Village on Saturday 16 May and 20 June. The market features original art and quirky modern and vintage craft. You will also have the chance to get some great food and drink. Finally, walk amongst the cobles for the Middleport Artisan Market showcasing the best makers, bakers and creators from Staffordshire and beyond, market takes place on 6th & 7th June with the Burleigh Shop and Heritage trail open too.  

With so much to choose from in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire this Spring, be sure to follow @Visit_Stoke and @VisitStaffordshire for updates and latest news events.