City gears up for 'incredible centenary parade'

A parade to mark a city's 100th anniversary promises to be an "absolutely incredible" day, organisers say.

The People's Parade is being held in Stoke-on-Trent on 7 June, and will form the centrepiece of the city's centenary celebrations.

Organiser Isla Telford, from community group Stoke Creates, said about 800 people would be taking part in the 1.5-mile procession through Hanley.

"It's all hands on deck, there are things still in the process of being made. People are coming together from all over the city to bring this together, which is just an absolute joy to see," she told BBC Radio Stoke.

A number of arts and creative organisations in the area have been working on the parade along with residents across the city.

It will feature giant puppets, including one called the Spirit of Stoke, which will lead the parade, as well as 100 dancing cupcakes and a marching band.

"It will all come together on the day and be absolutely incredible," Ms Telford added.

She said Stoke Creates were still appealing for volunteers to help on the day and urged anyone interested to get in touch.

The parade was announced at the start of the year and has been partly funded through a £125,000 grant from Arts Council England.

It will come shortly after the very first Stoke-on-Trent Day, which will be on 5 June.

Stoke-on-Trent obtained city status from His Majesty King George V in 1925, as the monarch recognised the area's considerable contribution to the pottery industry.

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