Stoke-on-Trent is aiming to help create a better world with a new three-day, family-friendly festival mixing world music, artisan stalls and inspiring speakers… plus the promise of new sustainable initiatives to come.
The Better World Festival, celebrating all things ‘sustainable’ and ‘wellbeing’, will debut in the streets of the city centre from Friday 6 August to Sunday 8 August.
Children’s activities, guest speakers, fitness classes, vegan cooking demonstrations, world music and an artisan market are a ll part of the packed programme designed to inspire new ways of thinking.
And along with three music stages, and a range of speakers including from Greenpeace, Christian Aid, WWF and WaterAid, organisers are also teasing the launch of exciting, sustainable initiatives over the weekend.
Aimed at bringing together those with an interest in creating positive change, and inspiring new ways of thinking – as well as respecting the environment and the planet – the Better World Festival will also offer a little bit of zen for visitors.
A Health & Mindfulness Retreat, over Albion Square, will have yoga for all the family, peace Pilates, dance parties, sound healing with gongs, and nutrition coaching.
Meanwhile, the Smithfield and The Hive at The Potteries Centre will become zones of relaxation, offering soothing music from DJs, comfy furniture to unwind in, and a calm, tranquil atmosphere for the whole family.
For musical entrainment, the weekend will see an extensive line-up spanning world music, ranging from African sounds to Latin beats, as well as jazz, folk, and reggae. More music will come from local musicians, bringing a wide variety of genres, while visitors can also enjoy a live performance and theatrical show area; poetry and spoken word on topics of sustainability, environmentalism, and the world, as well as free creative outdoor drop-in workshops.
Over at Speakers’ Square, in Tontine Square, there will be time to listen and reflect with a programme of talks and panel discussions about many of the world’s issues and to hear from sustainability champions and eco-warriors.
An Artisan Market will also pop up in the city, featuring 75 stalls selling all things sustainable, vintage, homemade and ethically sourced.
Completing the line-up, Chillout Retreats, at Smithfield and The Hive, aim to create a laid-back setting where visitors can enjoy smooth Ibiza rhythms.
For further details, visit .
For general tourist information about the area, see https://www.visitstoke.co.uk.