What's On in Stoke

We have a great programme of events here in Stoke-on-Trent and our exciting journey bidding to become City of Culture 2021 has whetted everybody’s appetite further.

There’s always something to keep you entertained – world-class exhibitions, outstanding plays, sporting events, live music, family fun events – you’ll love the creativity on display in Stoke.

The Cultural Quarter in the City Centre houses the Regent Theatre, a beautifully restored Art Deco theatre offering a high quality programme of grand opera, national ballet, drama, and west end musicals; and the Victoria Hall, an outstanding concert hall offering a wide-range of concerts, events, and stand-up comedians.

In nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme, the New Vic Theatre has built a reputation for innovative productions of both new and classic works delivered uniquely in the theatre in the round, under the expert guidance of Artistic Director Theresa Heskins.

Live music is on offer at a number of venues throughout the city including The Sugarmill, Eleven, and The Underground, which all host big name bands alongside up and coming bands including those from the local scene.

The Trentham Estate has a great events programme throughout the year to everyone – from nature lovers, to the green fingered and active kids to music lovers – all set in a truly stunning setting.

Appetite, a programme led by the New Vic Theatre, serves up spectacular events in the city with a unique annual programme not to be missed. This includes The Big Feast, an outdoor arts festival bringing world-class artists and performances to Stoke-on-Trent; an annual showcase event featuring one of the world’s finest large-scale outdoor shows; Roundabout in October by Paines Plough, the world’s first pop-up, plug-and-play theatre, plus much more throughout the year.

2018 will see the return of the Stoke literary festival taking place at the Emma Bridgewater Factory in June with a fantastic range of authors, writers, playwrights and performers celebrating Stoke’s contribution to the creative arts.

2018 also sees celebrations of the 250 year anniversary of the modern circus taking place as Philip Astley, father of the modern circus, was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742. In 1768, Astley opened his riding school, creating performances and then developing the 42-foot diameter circus ring, still the standard size used in circus across the world. To celebrate Astley’s life and legacy there will be an ambitious programmer of exhibitions and installations, spectacular performances, professionally-led community projects, premieres of new commissions, and talent development.    

Stoke-on-Trent is a passionate sporting city and is home to two professional football clubs – Premier League’s Stoke City and League 2’s Port Vale. Come and experience the thrill and excitement of a match day at first hand at the Bet365 Stadium or Vale Park and see some of the biggest names in the world of football.

Fenton Manor Sports Complex, has established itself as the principal sport, leisure and events venue between Manchester and Birmingham and regularly hosts national competition events throughout the year including Boxing, Gymnastics, and Table Tennis.

The inaugural Stoke-on-Trent Festival of Running takes place on 15th July offering various distances including a fun run, 5km, half marathon and a full marathon meaning there is something available for all ages and running abilities!