Re-reading Steve Leach’s excellent Twenty Football Towns: ‘Football is an important expression of a place-related collective identity, which operates as an important antidote to our increasingly atomised society.... at its best, it can become a thing of beauty, an art form ... let’s celebrate it!’

Another insightful meeting with UNESCO UK National Commission’s Accreditations, Policy & Operations Manager to discuss Stoke-on-Trent’s progress in developing its UNESCO Creative City application, and how we’re promoting sustainable urban development through culture and creativity.

That the creative industries are a significant part of Stoke-on-Trent’s economic and cultural future was palpable at the University of Staffordshire Business Awards ceremony attended by more than 360 guests earlier this month.

Paul Williams@paulwilliams207.bsky.social · 3w ago

There is now a renewed sense of pride, passion and optimism across the city and surrounding areas as we quietly and diligently lead our own creative renaissance.

There is now a renewed sense of pride, passion and optimism across the city and surrounding areas as we quietly and diligently lead our own creative renaissance.

Chair of @artscouncilengland.bsky.social Dawn Airey: “When I was at school you went on cultural trips. It was just accepted that you would go to your local gallery. You can have great art but if there is no access it might as well not be there. That is the challenge.”

‘I want us to be loud’: Arts Council England’s new chair aims to reconnect young people with culture

In first interview since starting job – and after visiting school where arts are central – Dawn Airey says she wants to fix ‘shocking’ lack of access

theguardian.com

Priestley continued: ‘unless you are prepared to take a deep and lasting interest on what happens inside those ovens, it would be better for you to take the first train anywhere’. #PotBOD

Paul Williams@paulwilliams207.bsky.social · last mo.

It’s August 29th. It’s Potteries Bottle Oven Day. A reminder that J.B. Priestley on his English journey in 1933 proclaimed: ‘the pottery kilns and ovens ... without these great bottles of heat, there would be no Potteries. They represent the very heart and soul of the district.’ #PotBOD

It’s August 29th. It’s Potteries Bottle Oven Day. A reminder that J.B. Priestley on his English journey in 1933 proclaimed: ‘the pottery kilns and ovens ... without these great bottles of heat, there would be no Potteries. They represent the very heart and soul of the district.’ #PotBOD

Trentham’s historic and contemporary gardens will always be an important drawcard, but it’s how they embrace experiential tourism that will ensure Trentham Estate is propelled into becoming a leading destination for visitors who view the experience economy as a lifestyle choice.

“Nothing less than the rebirth of the advanced ceramics industry in the UK. We have defence needs, we have aerospace needs, we have space needs, and without this facility none of that can be manufactured in this country. It really is a new era for ceramics in the UK.” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

New £500m centre planned in Keele for advanced ceramics manufacturing

The new facility is being described bringing "a new era" for ceramics manufacturing in the UK.

bbc.co.uk

It’s Saturday. It’s August 8th. It’s officially #OatcakeDay - a celebration of the food of the Gods, the epitome of culinary cultural capital. ‘The famous Staffordshire oatcake is nothing less than a food hero - it has achieved iconic status.’

It’s Oatcake Day eve so it’s time once again for a little oatcake-inspired poetry from the acclaimed poet and North Staffordshire Polytechnic alumnus Ian McMillan. #OatcakeDay

As Sir Nick Serota revisits Stoke-on-Trent at the end of his tenure as @artscouncilengland.bsky.social chair, it’s pleasing he will hear first-hand how, through a spirit of co-operation, collaboration and co-creation, our cultural organisations are embracing ‘excellence, everywhere, for everyone.’

Good to catch up with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce CEO to discuss a myriad cultural, creative industries and heritage-related projects being progressed in Stoke-on-Trent with strategic partners and how these might align with our UNESCO Creative City application. #Future100 #HeritageEmergency

Crucially, the ‘Kaleidoscope: A year in motion’ exhibition at One Bethesda is an opportunity for Pinc College’s neurodiverse students to elevate the importance of their project work, created in response to live briefs, in a public space where the quality & authenticity of the art speaks for itself.

Well worth a visit. Discover the multiple ways in which working in the pottery industry would damage your health. Allowing the pot banks to cool too much cost money so workers were sent in when they were too hot, then there was the lead in the paint used for decoration and the dust from the clay.

Paul Williams@paulwilliams207.bsky.social · 4mo ago

If you’ve never visited, Gladstone is a preserved Victorian pottery which provides ‘a fascinating window into a time when British crafts were in huge demand’ and ‘its cobbled yard and huge bottle kilns create an atmospheric time warp which has no equal’. daily-focus.co.uk/2026/06/tv-f...

When we lived opposite the park we jokingly referred to it as our garden and walked it every day. Brass band on a Sunday after the Lottery Grant restoration.. ended in lockdown, where crowds came out for their ‘hour’ ..the centre-piece Pavillion building designed by Dan Gibson in 1896 is a beauty!

Ian R. Pearsall@ianrpearsall.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Buzzing my way from A to B this morning and short cut my way via Hanley Park which is always a pleasure, Summer or Winter .. today it’s glorious and there's peace in the cool of the shade and a sweet breeze off the water… en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanley_...

Crucially, the ‘Kaleidoscope: A year in motion’ exhibition at One Bethesda is an opportunity for Pinc College’s neurodiverse students to elevate the importance of their project work, created in response to live briefs, in a public space where the quality & authenticity of the art speaks for itself.

If you’ve never visited, Gladstone is a preserved Victorian pottery which provides ‘a fascinating window into a time when British crafts were in huge demand’ and ‘its cobbled yard and huge bottle kilns create an atmospheric time warp which has no equal’. daily-focus.co.uk/2026/06/tv-f...

TV-famous Gladstone Pottery Museum beats national giants in UK’s best museums list - Daily Focus

Stoke-on-Trent’s Gladstone Pottery Museum has been named one of the best museums to visit in the UK.

daily-focus.co.uk

Noted with interest the SoT City Council Operating Plan 2026-28 includes: Regenerating our city mission: Achieve international recognition by securing UNESCO Creative City status. Culture and Heritage Key Priorities: Ensure readiness of high-quality submission for UNESCO Creative Cities status.

Another enjoyable visit to Willow at Trentham Gardens where Dudson continue to define dining. Always good to see the indelible mark of quality augment the menu.

“I am deeply committed to protecting and showcasing the craftsmanship and character that make Burleigh unique, while helping to shape its future as a distinctive and meaningful British design and ceramics house.”

Paul Williams@paulwilliams207.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Christopher Bailey, the man who transformed and redefined #Burberry leads consortium that has acquired Burleigh Pottery. “Burleigh has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business. www.ft.com/content/fdd5...

Christopher Bailey, the man who transformed and redefined #Burberry leads consortium that has acquired Burleigh Pottery. “Burleigh has an extraordinary history, and what makes it so special today is the skill, care and creative spirit that continue to define the business. www.ft.com/content/fdd5...

Christopher Bailey acquires Burleigh pottery

The former Burberry designer and CEO has rescued the Stoke-on-Trent site from administration

ft.com

As a trustee and board member of YMCA North Staffordshire for 10 years, our young people never cease to amaze me. Listen in to their Young Leaders Podcast meeting with the chauffeuring @jonrouse.bsky.social #YoungVoicesHeard youtu.be/k9DzGU6yll0

What 3,000 Young People Told Stoke-on-Trent | Young Leaders Podcast

YouTube video by YMCA North Staffordshire

youtu.be

Popped up on my timeline. A Great Pottery Throwback! As KBJ says: It starts with a ball of clay. That satisfying thump as you slap it down into the centre of the wheel. Is there a better sound in the world?

Traditional craftsmanship and intangible heritage anchors the Potteries’ sense of identity and continuity and remain the real mainspring as we grapple with the challenges of global economics and advances in automation technology which have impacted the local landscape in recent decades.

Following on .. the tail end of another great day that's Stoke-On-Trent flavoured .. The Canal Festival .. stoke.nub.news/news/local-n... More tomorrow..

Ian R. Pearsall@ianrpearsall.bsky.social · 5mo ago

- Burslem - Four bands in ... Great atmosphere 🌞

Noted with interest the SoT City Council Operating Plan 2026-28 includes: Regenerating our city mission: Achieve international recognition by securing UNESCO Creative City status. Culture and Heritage Key Priorities: Ensure readiness of high-quality submission for UNESCO Creative Cities status.

Great to see @mayorofwy.bsky.social at #UKREiiF highlighting the importance of making a credible culture pitch when looking to attract new investment. A strong heritage, cultural and creativity offer is often the driving force for regeneration and breathing new life into towns and cities.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire@mayorofwy.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Culture, heritage and sport turn places into destination. Whether it's arts, music, sculpture, sports or heritage - West Yorkshire's got it all. At #UKREiiF, I joined industry experts to discuss the importance of culture in transforming our towns and cities.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader: “This report makes clear that ceramics isn’t just part of our past but our future too.”

Paul Williams@paulwilliams207.bsky.social · 5mo ago

“With the right support, the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire ceramics sector can prosper as a highly dynamic internationally respected foundational sector that creates excellent local jobs driving economic renewal and regional pride.”

“With the right support, the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire ceramics sector can prosper as a highly dynamic internationally respected foundational sector that creates excellent local jobs driving economic renewal and regional pride.”

North Staffordshire's ceramics sector could prosper - report

A report says the industry could be a "highly dynamic" sector with the right government support.

bbc.co.uk