Biggest yet, promise Pig Walk Parade organisers

Thousands of people are expected to flock to an event in Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday that recalls a successful gamble made in the 1880s.

The Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade re-imagines a bet made by the town's mayor and the Duke of Sutherland, which saw mayor John Aynsley succeed in driving a pig from Trentham to Longton.

It resulted in the mayor winning the land to create Queen's Park as well as the money to build Longton Cottage Hospital, and organisers say it will the biggest yet, to mark Stoke-on-Trent's centenary.

The celebrations, taking place on Sunday between 11:00 BST and 16:00, have been organised by arts organisations Urban Wilderness CIC.

The event will feature live music, a funfair, street food and an artisan market, organisers said.

At 15:00 there will be a parade, the highlight of which will be a giant puppet pig called Jolly, led by marching band Kilne.

The Strand in the town centre will be closed for most of the day, before the road is reopened to allow the Star Bikers to complete their annual Easter egg run.

"This year will be the biggest yet, to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent's centenary," said Isla Telford, co-director of Urban Wilderness.

"Our city's motto reminds us that we are stronger together, which is always evident on carnival day because everyone pulls together to create a brilliant day for families and visitors."

This year organisers are set to include a new local character in the festivities, based on the daughter-in-law of the duke who made the pig bet with John Aynsley.

Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, was a writer and social reformer who campaigned for better working conditions in the Potteries, including a successful fight to remove lead paint glazes from Staffordshire pottery.

"Millicent was an incredible character and was known for her troupe of Pekingese dogs, who will also be remembered in the parade," Ms Telford said.

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