Stoke on Trent City Centre BID and The Potteries Centre have announced a festive extravaganza for Christmas 2024, kicking off with Santa’s arrival parade on Saturday 23 November.

Setting off from Smithfield at 11am, then parading through the city, culminating with Santa jumping off his sleigh and opening his Claus’ Cabin in The Potteries Centre at approximately 1pm the parade is set to wow visitors with its visual and audio celebrations.

There’ll be sprinklings of Christmas dust with the Elf on the shelf buddies, stilt walkers, walking Christmas puddings, a funfair for the kids and facepainting stations inside and outside for those festive touches. Meanwhile the streets will be lined with Christmas stalls with delicious delights and gifts.

Local businesses, schools and community groups are being invited to take part in the parade with a float/walking float, choirs, pantomimes and music groups to make this Christmas one to remember and a success story for local Stoke on Trent businesses.

Entertaining visitors throughout the day, local choirs and artists will be performing on the main stage at Fountain Square.

Amy Whittaker, Centre manager, The Potteries Centre said “We are so excited to be part of bringing such an exciting festive parade event back to the city centre, it really will put us on the map. We want visitors to talk about it for years to come and experience the magic that Christmas in Stoke on Trent has to offer. We want as many people to get involved as possible”

Richard Buxton, BID manager said “This event is set to be a creative collaboration for local people to enjoy. Christmas events should be accessible and affordable for families, so it’s very exciting that the parade will be free to enjoy whilst in turn promoting footfall to the quality retail and hospitality businesses on our doorstep. The whole day is set to be packed with an impressive programme of things to do for all ages, and we are delighted to be working in collaboration with The Potteries Centre to bring this to life.”

If you’d like to get involved, email christmas@potteriescentre.co.uk