Stoke-on-Trent

 

Thursday 18 November 2010 

 

2010 is a year of celebration for Stoke-on-Trent.  100 years on from the six potteries towns coming together into a single federation in recognition of their shared fate, the city has much to look forward to.  Throughout the year a host of events and special activities will see the people and businesses of the city enjoying their unique history and daring to get excited about the future.

As autumn turns to winter each year our traditional Switch-on event which launches the Christmas shopping season has grown to attract an estimated 7000 people each year.  In 2010 we aim to build on that by incorporate the switching on of the illuminations into an experience that celebrates more than Christmas shopping.  The Lights Switch-on will be just one element a larger free high profile Light Night to celebrate our shared history and our shared future, and help to set us up for the next stage in our transformational journey.

The increasingly popular Light Night concept aims to offer residents and visitors the opportunity to experience our city from a fresh perspective.  It is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the city, focusing on their shared culture, history and identity.  For one night the city stays up so that its attractions and symbols are seen in a new light. The spectators get to see the unusual in a familiar environment and 'loose themselves' in the city, which is transformed for the night.  The event will be a participatory adventure where the City Centre throws open its doors and invites the people of the city to enjoy their centre after dark.  

For more information contact citycentre@stoke.gov.uk