Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID to launch environmentally friendly Better World Festival

A brand-new festival celebrating all things sustainability and wellbeing will launch in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre this summer – and it will be completely free to attend.

Children’s activities, guest speakers, fitness classes, vegan cooking demonstrations, world music and an artisan market are all part of the packed programme designed to inspire new ways of thinking at Better World Festival, which will debut in thirteen streets of the city centre on from Friday 6 August to Sunday 8 August.

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is set to transform the entire city centre into an eco-friendly hive of activities, workshops, discussion, food and drink offerings, and unique shopping experiences, with a dedicated Kidzone to inspire youngsters to lead active and healthy lifestyle, championing sustainable practises.

The three-day festival will have entertainment scheduled throughout each day from 10am until late, suitable for the whole family.

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID Manager Richard Buxton, says:

“Originally planned for 2020, we unfortunately but understandably had to postpone Better World Festival until 2021 as per Government guidance due to COVID-19.

“Sustainability is an important agenda for the BID and so we aim for Better World Festival to be an integral catalyst in inspiring new behaviours and implementing positive change around the environment and reducing waste – something we all must play a part in for the good of our planet.

“The aim of Better World Festival is to celebrate our wonderful world and to ask and address those questions about how we can all start making sustainable choices today for a Better World tomorrow.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing something different to the city centre and to emphasise the importance of sustainability. We will be inviting speakers, activists, pioneers, charities, community groups and everyone with an interest in creating positive change to be a part of our packed Better World Festival programme.

“With three music stages, a Kidzone, two areas hosting an exciting programme of activities focusing on the environment, unity, and wellbeing, a chill-out retreat, a bar area and an artisan market, you're bound to take something away from this special festival and be inspired, plus, we’ll be launching a number of exciting, sustainable initiatives over the weekend.”

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for public health, culture and leisure, said:

“It’s fantastic that, after having to cancel in 2020, this event is due to go ahead. Festivals like this are such an important part of bringing Stoke-on-Trent together after the past year, as well as attracting more people into the city centre and supporting our amazing businesses who have faced so many challenges. The activities sound really fun and interesting, and I can’t wait to bring my family to experience it all.

“The festival also has a wonderful message that we can all support. It’s a great way of inspiring people across Stoke-on-Trent to think about how they can do their bit, lead healthy lifestyles, and help to create a better world. It’s a wonderfully positive message for everyone in the city to support.” 

Steve Alty, Sales Manager at the new 140-bed Hilton Garden Inn located in Smithfield, is also backing the event:

“Anything that brings people into the city centre is great news and so we’re delighted to welcome this brand-new event – the first of its kind in the area. After the year we’ve all experienced, it will be great to be able to enjoy a family-friendly celebration, and safely too.

“At the Hilton Garden Inn, we are introducing a special discount rate for anyone who wishes to stay in the city centre and really make the most of Better World Festival.

“For more information and to book at the discount rate, please contact our team at reservations@hiltongardeninnstoke.com, quoting ‘Better World Festival’.”

Tracey Bowen, Landlady of The Unicorn Inn on Piccadilly which will be reopening its doors to welcome customers back safely on Monday 17 May, added:

“This is something for the city centre to embrace, with a powerful message that we all need to get behind. Better World Festival will attract people to our city centre with its diverse programme, which in turn will give a boost to the businesses located here.”

People are encouraged to follow the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID’s Facebook page (/stokeontrentcitycentrebid) and Twitter page (@stokeontrentbid) for the latest updates relating to Better World Festival 2021 and other initiatives.