Day: 27 May 2022

The streets of Stoke-on-Trent city centre are coming alive over the Jubilee bank holidays to celebrate seven decades of the Queen’s reign.

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Appetite will be presenting the free family event Dancing through the Decades, on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June, from 11am to 5pm.

The two days will see performers, DJs and dancers popping up across seven locations in the city centre, each themed to one of the Queen’s decades.

There will be a huge variety of dance to enjoy from the flamboyant Dandyisms by Patrick Ziza Dance to the love duet, We Meet Again by ID Dance Co., from Momentum Cheerleaders to The Heavy Smokers, a breakin’ and hip hop krew. You can even take your turn and learn to dance through the decades with Dorothy Shoes Presents guiding you through the dance styles from the 1950s to 00s.

Each of the seven areas will have it’s own DJ playing out the songs and sounds of the decades. There will also be walk about performances popping up and artist workshops to have a go at and get stuck. Take part to make your own flower crown to wear over the festivities, have a go at cheerleading or explore your inner Dandy, looking at ideas of gender and identity and dressing sharp with the ‘Be a Dandy for the Day’ workshop.

If gaming is more your thing Dancing through the Decades will welcome Geek Retreat Stoke on the Friday, with your chance to play retro games from the 80s, and The Actual Reality Arcade on Saturday, a life-sized interactive game zone for all ages

The celebrations will continue into the evening with the Jubilee Social on Piccadilly from 5pm to 11pm taking place on both days. Music from local DJs will be performed on the street whilst visitors can enjoy alfresco dining and drinking as city centre restaurants and bars throw open their doors.

Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said “Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID approached us to work with them to deliver two days of entertainment fit for the Queen! We started to think about the seven decades of the Queen’s reign and that looking back through time had to be at the centre of our plans. We’re putting on a programme that’s really varied and eclectic, and that’s what’s so great. No matter what your age, or what you do or don’t remember of the Queen’s decades, there’ll be something for you. Have a go at learning how to hula hoop or jive, wander amongst the hives in the installation ‘Bees’, listen to the very different take on modern classics by Oompah Party Band. Dancing through the Decades is celebrating the Jubilee but it’s also celebrating what talent we have on our doorstep with the local DJs and artists that are part of the event.”

Richard Buxton, Stoke-On-Trent City Centre BID Manager said “After the last few years, there’s little doubt we need something to celebrate, and a Queen’s Jubilee Party is the perfect way to do just that! But, this will not just be another party. Our City Centre will be filled with the music covering each of the decades from our Queen’s reign, played by a host of DJs. Add in amazing street performers, workshops and vehicle displays and it’s a two day celebration not to be missed. Appetite are known across our city and beyond to be the go-to partner for wonderful events and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID couldn’t be more excited to be hosting and funding the celebration. All of our businesses look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy this spectacular weekend in our City Centre.”