A host of events have been lined up to help celebrate the ninth annual Staffordshire Day on Thursday 1 May.

This year’s bumper celebration will start on 1 May and run through to Monday 5 May, Bank Holiday Monday, providing plenty of opportunities to take part in a busy countywide programme of events, many of them free.

On the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up the world-famous pottery firm, World of Wedgwood in Barlaston has free taster factory tours on Thursday 1 May.

Tamworth Castle is offering free entry for children (when accompanied by a full paying adult) on the afternoon of 1 May. And at Lower Drayton Farm, visitors can enjoy the Tulip Festival also on 1 May from 10am until 8pm.

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival will be in full swing, with a range of walks taking place until 5 May. Most of the walks are free to join, suit various abilities and interests and take place all over the Staffordshire Moorlands. Walkers can ascend the stunning renowned Roaches, enjoy the wildlife roaming the heather filled moorlands, take in the beauty and tranquillity of local nature reserves, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk around Tittesworth Water or Rudyard Lake. 

Other events include the Great British Food Festival, at The Trentham Estate (3-5 May) which will showcase the best British produce while their Shaun the Sheep trail and Spring Bulb Festival continues until 18 May.

The National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, will host ‘The Year was 1945 - VE Day Celebrations (3-5 May)with a free weekend of activities inspired by the street party spirit of 1945. Live performances, including vintage 1940s inspired dance workshops, will set the scene for the celebrations which will culminate at the end of each day with a mass visitor singalong.

And Drayton Manor Park will bring fireworks, live music, late rides and more to the celebrations on 3 and 4 May as part of their 75th anniversary celebrations.

The first official Staffordshire Day took place in 2016, the year the county turned 1,000 years old.  1 May was chosen as the date through a public poll, as it is the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up his pottery company in 1759.

For more information and to enter the Staffordshire Day free prize draw competition where people can win amazing prizes including overnight stays, days out, concert tickets and restaurant vouchers, visit visitstaffordshire.com/whats-on/staffordshire-day.