Archives: Events

Sensasian Community Consultation Event

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Help Us Shape Sensasian

Do you have Sensasian-al ideas about what South Asian arts and events should look like in Stoke-on-Trent?

Have you got an insight into the cultural flavours that we are missing in our area? Got opinions about music, dance, and more … ?

We’re inviting YOU to join our Creative Consultation and have your say in shaping Sensasian, a vibrant South Asian arts event coming this July. Explore a curated menu of performers, share your thoughts, and vote for your favourites. Your influence is key as the most popular artists will be selected for our Sensasian programme!


When is it?

Wednesday, February 5 2025

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JG

 

What to expect

An open forum for thoughts, ideas, and conversations about the arts and culture you want to see

A chance to meet like-minded people who are as passionate about South Asian culture in Stoke-on-Trent as you are

A special live performance from a musician to get a taste of what you will see more of in July

Free tea, coffee and snacks

Who should come?

The event is open to all, with a focus on the local South Asian community. But we are keen to meet with everybody who has an interest in South Asian arts, culture, and creative experiences for our area.

So please come along and lend us your insights to help shape future artistic events that reflect our Stoke-on-Trent’s vibrant heritage. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard and be part of something amazing!

 

Questions? Email Raz on Rasandeep@appetite.org.uk and he can answer any queries you might have before welcoming you to the event.

If you’re interested in what happened at Sensasian 2024, take a look at past events on the Appetite website, or check out our social media on Facebook @appetite.stoke and Instagram @appetite_stoke

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Arthur Berry On The Streets Exhibition

Image description: Open-air exhibition cubes in the Ironmarket, Newcastle-under-Lyme. Four large, black-framed, freestanding cubes are positioned in the centre of a paved street, interspersed between trees. The sides of the cubes feature artwork and text. On the left-hand side is a row of show and business frontages. To the right a group of three young men walk towards us, chatting.

Arthur Berry On The Streets Exhibition

📣 ANNOUNCING: Arthur Berry On The Streets 📣
 
We’re joining the celebrations 100 years of of Arthur Berry: playwright, poet, painter, cultural icon. 2025 would have been his centenary year, and it’s a time when we look forward to honouring his extraordinary life and contribution to art, literature and culture with a series of events. There will be exhibitions, performances, discussions and unprecedented public access to his archive.
 
As part of this, Appetite are presenting a pop-up, open-air exhibition exploring Arthur’s life and work. The exhibition ‘cubes’ will also feature some of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition Arthur Berry Prize-winners, shining a light on his lasting legacy.

The exhibition will run from August to October, beginning in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley, 4 August – 14 September) before moving to Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre (20 September – end of October).
 
Check out all of the events in the #ArthurBerry100 series – including a staging of Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt? at New Vic Theatre – at arthurberry100.co.uk
 
This event also forms part of the celebrations for Stoke-on-Trent’s 100th anniversary year. Find out more at sot100.org.uk
 
Image of a previous Three Counties Art Exhibition cubes installation in Newcastle town centre  by Andrew Billington Photography

Make a Donation

Help us continue what we do
Donate Now

Ambassadors

Spread the word, get rewards!
Find Out More

Volunteer

Make friends & gain experience
Join the team

Featured Exhibition at Newcastle Common

Appetite and ArtsKeele present Featured 24. Featured is a collection of wonderful artworks created by artists and were all recently part of the Three Counties Exhibition 2024 on show at Burslem School of Art. This wonderful collection of artworks includes a range of paintings, photography, prints, textiles, collage and ceramics created by artists from across the region.

See the artwork on display for free in Newcastle Common from Friday 20 September to Saturday 26 October. Newcastle Common is open Fridays and Saturdays only from 11am to 3pm. 

All the pieces on show as part of Featured are exhibition award winners and nominees, including first and second place in the Appetite Audience Choice Award, and includes a range of paintings, photography, collage and sculpture. The Audience Choice Award entries were nominated by local community groups including the Appetite Supper Club and Lunch Club, and was awarded after a public vote.

The image shows a image drawn with graphite. The drawing shows a room with a chair facing to the right. There is a silhouette of a person sat on the chair.

Seeing Appetite Audience Choice Award winning piece ‘Hiraeth’ by Paige Sutton.

Access at Newcastle Common 

There is a small step into Newcastle Common, we do also have a ramp for wheelchair users. 

Performances and activities are accessible for everyone. 

You can download an Easy Read PDF or Easy Read Word document before your visit. 

Parking 

The nearest car park to Newcastle Common is Lymelight Boulevard, 27 Paradise Street, ST5 1RS. This is a multi-story pay-and-display car park with blue badge parking. 

There are some options for on-road blue-badge parking within a short walk from Newcastle Common:  

– Closest are two spaces outside Chatwins at the end of the High Street, a one-minute walk away 

– Very slightly further away are a row of disabled spaces on Merrial Street  

– Just around the corner from there, Corporation Street has some paid parking spaces, which are free to blue badge holders 

– There are also a few spaces opposite Queen’s Gardens at the bottom of Ironmarket 

Toilets 

The nearest toilets to Newcastle Common can be found in Hassall Street, opposite the bus station. They are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday. 

Just around the corner from there at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, you can find extended facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, and baby changing. They are open 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday. 

The Dream Sorting Office at Newcastle Common

Taking up temporary residence* at Newcastle Common, Hocus Pocus Theatre welcome you to the Dream Sorting Office. A surreal world where dreams are shared, possibilities re-imagined and positive ideas for a better future are packaged and sent to the cloud for distribution via their special delivery service on wheels.

The Dream Sorting Office is open for business on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 12pm to 3pm. Catch outdoor performances happening at 11am to 12pm, and 3pm to 4pm. 

Enjoy an afternoon of daydreaming, building a dream world, sorting, packing and playing. This weekend Newcastle Common is exclusively a dreaminess-zone. 

*What is an artist-in-residence?

When an artist such as a painter, illustrator or performer creates work over a period of time in a particular place. At Newcastle Common, an artist will work in our space as well as creating work for audiences like you to enjoy. Find out more about Newcastle Common on our project page.

Access at Newcastle Common

There is a small step into Newcastle Common, we do also have
a ramp for wheelchair users.

Performances and activities are accessible for everyone.

You can download an Easy Read PDF or Easy Read Word document before your visit.

Parking

The nearest car park to Newcastle Common is Lymelight Boulevard, 27 Paradise Street, ST5 1RS. This is a multi-story, pay-and-display car park with blue badge parking.

There are some options for on-road blue-badge parking
within a short walk from Newcastle Common:

  •  Closest are two spaces outside Chatwins at the end of

    the High Street

  • Very slightly further away are a row of disabled spaces on
    Merrial Street

  • Just around the corner from there, Corporation Street

    has some paid parking spaces, which are free to blue badge holders

  • There are also a few spaces opposite Queen’s Gardens at

    the bottom of Ironmarket

Toilets

The nearest toilets to Newcastle Common can be found in Hassall Street, opposite the bus station. They are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday.

Just around the corner from there at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, you can find extended facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, and baby changing. They are open 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday.

Want to know what else is going on?

Visit the What’s On page for events and go to Get Involved for more opportunities. For regular updates, why not subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook @appetite.stoke, Instagram @appetite_stoke, and X @appetitestoke.

Luminarium at Hanley Park

Welcome to a wonderful world of light and colour! Luminarium – Architects of Air by Alan Parkinson is an extraordinary inflatable labyrinth of light and sound, landing in Hanley Park Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August. 

We’re excited to be bringing the Luminarium to Stoke-on-Trent as part of the 10th edition of the Big Feast, taking place in the city centre on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August. 

All pre-purchase tickets have now been booked. On the door tickets available onsite during opening times on a first come first served basis. We do expect a high demand for onsite tickets and expect there to be large queues so please factor that into your visit if you do not have a pre-booked ticket. 

The Luminarium is open Wednesday and Thursday 1pm to 7pm, and Friday 11am to 5pm. 

Book Your Tickets

For more information visit our FAQ page. 

For details on access head to our access page. 

Check out what people in Leek thought of the Luminarium:

Part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Hat to the Future: Live hat making

What do the fashion trends of the future look like to you? 

Our Newcastle Common artist-in-residence*, Holly Johnson, will be creating three brand new hats and hat blocks** inspired by your future style forecasting. Whether you want bandanas banned or leg warmers back with a vengeance, Holly wants to hear your thoughts. 

Come chat to her in Newcastle Town Centre on Saturday 13 July! 

Then, see your ideas come to life with live hat making taking place on Friday 2, Saturday 3, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August from 11am to 3pm at Newcastle Common. 

There’ll also be updates on our Instagram and Facebook page. The finished hats will also be in display in Newcastle Common!

Follow Holly’s progress as she shows you how to make a hat block!

What is Hat to the Future? 

Three years ago – a year into her Hat Making practice – Holly carried out a research-based artist residency with Appetite, looking into the hat making history of Newcastle-under-Lyme and creating three felt hat styles and process videos based on images or stories from local people. Now she’s back at the new Newcastle Common building for her second residency, but this time she’s going ‘Hat to the Future!’.

Throughout July and August, Holly will be speaking with local people in Newcastle town centre, asking questions about what the town, its people, and fashion might look like deep in the future. These answers, ideas and opinions will be used by Holly to not only design three artistic hat pieces, but to create and carve entirely new hat blocks to shape this headwear with.

These will be theatrical, extravagant, and will break away from normal, traditional hat wear. Once the blocks are made, Holly will work from Appetite’s Newcastle Common building to form and shape felt hats from these blocks, and will embellish them with trimmings, paint, pyrography and fire! These making sessions will be live and open to the public to come and watch, ask questions, and even have a little go yourself.

A wooden hat block is sat on a metal surface. It is a medium sized wooden dome with a wooden stand beneath. There are wooden tools around the hat block.
A wooden hat block is sat on a metal surface. It is a medium sized wooden dome with a wooden stand beneath. There are wooden tools around the hat block.

*What is an artist-in-residence?

When an artist such as a painter, illustrator or performer creates work over a period of time in a particular place. At Newcastle Common, an artist will work in our space as well as creating work for audiences like you to enjoy. Find out more about Newcastle Common on our project page.

**What is a hat block?

A hat block, also known as a hat form is usually a wooden block carved into the shape of a hat, or a dome. It is used by hat makers and milliners (someone who designs and makes hats) to pull felt material over to shape a hat, kind of like a mould! 

Although traditionally these would be wood, more modern hat blocks could be carved foam, or 3D printed plastic like the ones shown here. Hat Makers and milliners are becoming more inventive about things they can use to shape a hat, as it allows for more exciting and unique styles and shapes of headwear.

Access at Newcastle Common

There is a small step into Newcastle Common, we do also have
a ramp for wheelchair users.

Performances and activities are accessible for everyone.

You can download an Easy Read PDF or Easy Read Word document before your visit.

Parking

The nearest car park to Newcastle Common is Lymelight Boulevard, 27 Paradise Street, ST5 1RS. This is a multi-story, pay-and-display car park with blue badge parking.

There are some options for on-road blue-badge parking
within a short walk from Newcastle Common:

  •  Closest are two spaces outside Chatwin’s at the end of the High Street

  • Very slightly further away are a row of disabled spaces on
    Merrial Street

  • Just around the corner from there, Corporation Street has some paid parking spaces, which are free to blue badge holders

  • There are also a few spaces opposite Queen’s Gardens at the bottom of Ironmarket

Toilets

The nearest toilets to Newcastle Common can be found in Hassall Street, opposite the bus station. They are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday.

Just around the corner from there at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, you can find extended facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, and baby changing. They are open 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday.

Want to know what else is going on?

Visit the What’s On page for events and go to Get Involved for more opportunities. For regular updates, why not subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook @appetite.stoke, Instagram @appetite_stoke, and X @appetitestoke.

Talking Teapots with Scruffy Little Herbert

If you could have a cup of tea with anyone in the world, who would it be? What would you ask them?

Would you chat to an old friend? Sit down with your favourite star? You might even have a burning question for your four legged friend?

Take part in Talking Teapots with Scruffy Little Herbert at Newcastle Common, where you can decorate your very own teapot. Attached will be a tag for you to write down your question and who it’s for – whoever it may be!

Come along for free on Saturday 29 June from 11am to 3pm. Your teapot will go on display as part of an installation in the window of Newcastle Common. 

Check out the Talking Teapots Easy Read.

Access at Newcastle Common

There is a small step into Newcastle Common, we do also have
a ramp for wheelchair users.

Performances and activities are accessible for everyone.

Parking

The nearest car park to Newcastle Common is Lymelight Boulevard, 27 Paradise Street, ST5 1RS. This is a multi-story, pay-and-display car park with blue badge parking.

There are some options for on-road blue-badge parking
within a short walk from Newcastle Common:

  • Closest are two spaces outside Chatwins at the end of

    the High Street

  • Very slightly further away are a row of disabled spaces on
    Merrial Street

  • Just around the corner from there, Corporation Street

    has some paid parking spaces, which are free to blue badge holders

  • There are also a few spaces opposite Queen’s Gardens at

    the bottom of Ironmarket

Toilets

The nearest toilets to Newcastle Common can be found in Hassall Street, opposite the bus station. They are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday.

Just around the corner from there at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, you can find extended facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, and baby changing. They are open 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday.

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Want to know what else is going on?

Visit the What’s On page for events and go to Get Involved for more opportunities. For regular updates, why not subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Sensasian

Welcome to Sensasian – a festival of events celebrating South Asian culture!

We’re working with our friends and partners at the New Vic Theatre to bring comedy, dance and even a little bit of magic to the theatre with three evening shows on Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Friday 12 July.

And if that wasn’t enough, we end the week with a FREE fun day for all ages on Saturday 13 July from 1pm to 5pm.

You can book your tickets via the links below, contact New Vic Box Office on 01782 717962 or come along to the theatre to book your tickets in person. 

Buy tickets for Ben Hart, Sonia Sabri Company and our comedy night with Desi Central at the same time and save 20% on your purchase!

Click to see our Sensasian poster in Punjabi

Click to see our Sensasian poster in Hindi

 

Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Four people in different poses against a red background. They are all smiling, laughing or look shocked!

Comedy Night with Desi Central

Tuesday 9 July - 7.30pm

Age guidance 18+

If comedy is your thing you’ll be excited to hear that Desi Central with Sukh Ojla will be bringing the belly laughs.

Sukh is a comedian, actor and writer as seen on TV shows including, The Big Asian Stand-Up Show (BBC Two), Comedy Guide to Life (Dave), Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Comedy Central Live and features in Sky’s Dating No Filter.

Other comedians on the night include Tommy Sandhu, Raj Poojara and Nabil Abdulrashid – Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer scorer and semi-finalist 2020!

Book Here

Check out Nabil’s golden buzzer moment:

A person wearing a gold and red dress turns. As they turn their dress spins.

Roshni by Sonia Sabri Company

Wednesday 10 July - 7.30pm

You may remember Sonia Sabri Company from their stunning Mughal Miniatures at The Big Feast 2023.

Now with Roshni, you can be up close to an intimate performance of dance and live music inspired by the stories of everyday people.

The performance includes diverse musical genres and artists, ranging from South Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, all celebrating the rich diversity of our global community. 

Book Here
Capital letters AD with sound waves inside a black circle

Live Audio Description is available for this performance. Listen to the Audio Introduction to Roshni below:

Check out the trailer for Roshni:

A person wearing a black t shirt is staring into the camera. They are holding their hands up in-line with their head. Sand is pouring out of their hands.

Jadoo by Ben Hart

Friday 12 July - 7.30pm

World-renowned, multi award-winning magician and west-end star Ben Hart returns to the stage with Jadoo – his most personal show yet. 

Drawn from his experience of travelling India to discover lost, real magic, Hart sheds his usual sleight-of hand trickery and lies in favour of stunning displays of wonderment, mysticism, extra-sensory power, and a search for the truth… 

Rooted in his family heritage in India, this mind-popping show is rich in colour, infectious passion, and wicked humour. Don’t miss this chance to catch one of the world’s foremost magic storytellers in this all-new show. 

Book Here

Check out Ben Hart on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019:

Four images. The top left image shows three people dancing with pieces of material. The top right image shows the side profile of a person with dark hair tied in a plait and a large, gold earring. The bottom right shows a person wearing blue and white clothing smiling at the camera. The bottom left image shows two hands decorated with henna.

Sensasian Family Day

Saturday 13 July - 1pm to 5pm

Come along to our free family day and enjoy a range of performances and activities suitable for all ages include Bhangra workshops, live music, short films, Henna Painting and performances.

Find out more

Parade: The Giant Wheel

Autin Dance Theatre are bringing Parade – The Giant Wheel to the streets of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre on Saturday 22 June.

Parade – The Giant Wheel is a moving performance inspired by the beauty, power, and impact of people from different walks of life coming together, featuring a 12-foot-tall Giant Wheel powered by 6 street artists and accompanied by music and a large community cast of local groups and individual performers.

Come and see the wheel take over the town at 12.30pm & 2.30pm, starting at Queen’s Gardens, Newcastle. 

How do I become a community cast member? 

Autin Dance’s engaging workshops offer the chance to learn accessible and enjoyable group movements that you’ll perform as part of the live show right here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. 

Together with Autin Dance Theatre, you’ll explore various movements as well as being invited to share your personal stories and experiences related to community themes. 

All workshops are accessible for individuals with diverse mobility and access needs.

Click here to sign up. 

Check out the Parade Workshops Easy Read Guide.

Access 

Check out the Easy Read Guide for Parade – The Giant Wheel.

Audio Description will be provided for both performances of Parade – The Giant Wheel. Audio headsets are available to borrow on the day from our Appetite HQ, located at Queen’s Gardens or just ask a member of staff or a volunteer wearing a blue Appetite t shirt!

You can listen to an audio description of a performance of Parade – The Giant Wheel on Soundcloud.

Parking

The nearest car park is Lymelight Boulevard, 27 Paradise Street, ST5 1RS. This is a multi-story, pay-and-display car park with blue badge parking.

There are some options for on-road blue-badge parking
within a short walk from Queen’s Gardens:

There are also some on-road blue-badge parking spaces located opposite Queen’s Gardens at the bottom of Ironmarket.

Toilets 

Public toilets can be found in Hassall Street, opposite the bus station. They are open 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am to 2pm Sunday.

Just around the corner from there at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, you can find extended facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, and baby changing. They are open 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and are closed on Sunday.

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Capital letters AD with sound waves inside a black circle

Delivered in partnership with:

Autin Dance Theatre logo in black.
The Philip Astley Projects CIC logo. The logo is circular, pruple and gold. In the middle there is an illustration of a ringmaster.
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Remix in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley)

This city is yours to explore and uncover, but we’re switching it up with your help. We’re bringing gaming away from your screen and to The Potteries Centre on Thursday 30, Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June from 10am to 4pm. Come along to uncover quests on your doorstep.

Your final mission is to come back to us and let us know what you think!

Test yourselves with the T.U.R.D.I.S (Toilet Utilities Requiring Dexterity, Intelligence and Skill) escape room, located in none other than a Portaloo.

The track is set and the cars are ready, all we need now are the drivers. Trade your controller for the track and have a go at Scalextric racing, with live, in-person commentary by The Commentators.

There’ll also be a ‘game’ shop, but not as you know it… double act Hunt & Darton are cancelling screen time as they’ll be bringing all your favourite games with their DIY arcade experience.

Can’t make it IRL? Don’t miss out. The Commentators will be live streamed here so you can join in wherever you are.

Access Information

Check out our Easy Read Visual Story for Remix. 

A Calm Hour will be taking place everyday from 10am to 11am. Meaning the volume of the activities will be lower and calmer and there will be no sudden loud noises. 

Noise cancelling headphones will be available to borrow from our Appetite HQ, located in the old NEXT unit by Timpsons, on the Upper Mall. 

Our quiet space will also be located in the old NEXT unit. 

If you require BSL interpretation for this event please get in-touch by Tuesday 28 May. you can email us on askus@appetite.org.uk or call us on 01782 381373.

The Potteries Centre has a lift and escalators. 

You can find the Toilets on level 6, accessible by lift, escalator or stairs. This is also a baby change, and accessible toilet facilities on the upper and middle mall by Ruff & Ruby.

Accessible toilets can be found on our upper and middle malls by Ruff & Ruby.

Another accessible toilet can also be found on Level 6, operated by a Radar key

Toilets and changing places facilities can also be found in the Market hall.

Assistance dogs are welcome in The Potteries Centre. 

 
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Location

The T.U.R.D.I.S will be located outside the main entrance of The Potteries Centre, by the Blue Clock and near to Costa Coffee. 

Scalextric Racing and The Commentators will take place outside The Entertainer and River Island on the Middle Mall of the centre. 

GAME will take place in the old NEXT shop, near to Timpson’s on the Upper Mall. 

Check out the Centre Map for more information. 

Getting Here & Parking 

Visit the First Bus website for information on bus routes into Hanley. There are nearby bus stops on Quadrant Road, Stafford Street, Albion Street and Old Hall Street. Hanley Bus Station is only a 10-15 minute walk from the centre.

The Potteries Centre has easy access from the M6 junction 15 and 16 and the A500 (D road). Just follow the signs to Stoke on Trent, then City Centre (Hanley).

There is a multi-story car park which is accessible via the Potteries Centre. The car park has over 900 spaces including including disabled, electric car charging and parent and child spaces. 

More info including parking fees can be found on The Potteries Centre website 

Delivered in partnership with:

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID logo which reads 'Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID a business alliance'

Event funders:

'Funded by UK Government' black and white logo
Appetite
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Rd,
Newcastle-under-Lyme,
Staffordshire ST5 0JG
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