Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded World Craft City status, catapulting the city onto the global stage.
Already known as a capital of ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent has been shaped by its pottery production for centuries, and today is still home to world famous ceramic brands as well as award-winning attractions, tours, and factory shops.
Now the city has officially become a World Craft City following a visit by a panel of international judges earlier this year.
Run by the World Craft Council, the status is awarded to areas where there are excellent social, cultural, and economic contributions from communities.
Shining a spotlight on Stoke-on-Trent as a creative city aiming to develop, and promote, its rich cultural heritage, the bid was launched by partnership organisation Stoke Creates at a special event held at the Victoria and Albert in London in December last year.
It now joins a growing list of locations worldwide, including the Outer Hebrides, Scotland; Kilkenny, Ireland; Bornholm, Denmark; and La Bisbal d’Empordà, Spain.
And the news comes as the area gears up to celebrate its centenary in 2025, marking 100 years since it received its city status.
For anyone who loves ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent offers the chance to visit world class museums and attractions – and even have a go at the potter’s wheel themselves.
As well as home to famous brands, the city is where popular TV show The Great Pottery Throw Down is filmed. The striking bottle kilns of Gladstone Pottery Museum, the country’s only complete Victorian pottery factory, have become a familiar sight for Channel 4 TV viewers during the annual search to find Britain’s best amateur ceramicist.
Among other top attractions are Middleport Pottery, home of world-famous Burleigh, where pottery has been created since 1889, and World of Wedgwood, the ultimate destination to experience this iconic brand bringing together shopping, hands-on experiences, plus the historic V&A Wedgwood Collection.
More ‘have a go’ sessions include painting your own pottery at Emma Bridgewater and Royal Stafford and designing your own dinner service at the World of Wedgwood.
Stoke Creates is an organisation of cultural, educational, local authority and business partners working in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, sharing a mission to harness the power of art, culture and creativity to improve life for residents, communities and visitors. For details, visit www.stokecreates.org.uk
And for more information on Stoke-on-Trent as a destination, see www.visitstoke.co.uk
Photo: World Craft City jurors visit, ©Jerome Whittingham/Stoke Creates