Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and The Potteries Centre announce exciting Festive Line-up for Santa’s Arrival Event

The event will boast festive floats, live music from choirs and brass bands to a performance from popular Stoke-on-Trent band Thunder Hammer. Plus visitors can watch vibrant balloon shows, and a variety of festive characters including Santa Claus himself plus a mischievous visit from the Grinch.

Alongside the festive fun, visitors can look forward to a funfair for the kids, face painting stations, stilt walkers, storytelling sessions, and streets lined with Potteries Artisan Market Christmas stalls filled with delicious delights and gifts.

The parade route will commence at Smithfield at 11am and end at The Potteries Centre entrance, where a snow machine will transform the area into a sparkling winter wonderland, setting the perfect stage for Santa’s grand arrival as he officially opens Claus’ Cabin. The stage will then be set at Fountain Square for live acts and performances throughout the day until 6:30pm. Festive fashionistas who show up in their jolliest Christmas jumper also have the chance to be picked by Santa to win Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Gift Cards up to the value of £50.

Amy Whittaker, Centre Director at The Potteries Centre said “We are so excited to be part of bringing such an exciting festive parade event back to the city centre. We want visitors to talk about it for years to come and experience the magic of Christmas in our city centre with the fabulous range of activities and performances for all to enjoy!”

Richard Buxton, BID CEO said "We are delighted to be raising our game with Christmas in the city centre this year. To have such a wide variety of acts and activities speaks to the vibrancy and diversity of talent in our local community and beyond. From classic rock to classic characters - we cannot wait."

Full timings of performances to be shared by The Potteries Centre and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID very soon. Stay up to date at stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk and potteriescentre.co.uk.