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 10^th 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.

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.

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.

*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.

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.

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!

Check out Nabil’s golden buzzer moment:

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.

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

Check out the trailer for Roshni:

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.

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

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.

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.

Delivered in partnership with:

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.

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:

Event funders:

Madame Deficit by Kitsch n’ Sync at Newcastle Common

Kitsch n’ Sync are taking over Newcastle Common with their comedy dance theatre show loosely inspired by the over-indulgent life of Marie Antoinette! Our artists in residence* will be enticing the public to ‘Let them Eat Cake’ (Marie’s infamous miss-quote!) and discuss social political issues whilst par-taking in a fondant fancy or two!

They’ll want to know your answers to burning questions such as:

Do we need a monarchy?… What do you think about the Sugar Tax?…Is the benefit system broken? What about inflation & the rising costs of a Freddo bar?

Grace us with your presence and be part of the fun and chaos:

Tuesday 21 May I Our artists will be galivanting the streets with cake and chaos up their puffy sleeves.

Friday 24, Saturday 25 & Friday 31 May 11am – 3pm I Games and good times to be had in Newcastle Common! That’s if you don’t end up in the stocks…

Saturday 1 June 11am – 3pm I Our grand dames and damsels will be dazzling the streets of Newcastle Town Centre with performances, taking place at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Each show will last around 30 very elegant minutes.

Be part of this comical take on the current state-of-affairs with slapstick choreography, ballroom dances, fan etiquette, custard pies and maybe a be-heading!?

*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.

Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery walks are back!

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The group of walkers are coming towards us in a line along the towpath. To the right is the canal and on the opposite bank are trees, a grass slop and a building in the background. The trees and building are reflected in the sunshine onto the orange water.

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Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery walks are back!

Enjoying life along the canal

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Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery walks are back!

Join us for more walks among nature

Due to the incredible response from the Kidsgrove community during the Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery walk series that took place over winter and early spring, they are set to make a return in June. Appetite are once more partnering with artist Anna Francis and Canal & River Trust to bring more nature-themed walks along the canal’s pathways.

The initial walks between September 2023 and March 2024 included conversations about biodiversity, with particular focus on plants and birds, encouraging walkers to see the canal as a nature reserve. And, despite the chilly time of year, they were a brilliant opportunity to get outdoors and connect with our nearby nature.

The new series of walks, which will uncover even more about the wonderful species living alongside the canal at Kidsgrove, will also feature new guests with different specialities and areas of interest.

Appetite invites you to come along, take a gentle walk, and uncover new ways of looking at the nature on your doorstep. Everybody’s welcome!

Read on for the schedule and details on how to book.

Schedule

Saturday 1 June 11am – 1pm Becoming Animal with artist Deb Rogers

During the walk Deb will share her experimental creative methods to connect with the non-human neighbours you might encounter along the canal’s pathways. You will also be encouraged to see the canal as a place of healing and of help to reconnect with nature. www.airspacegallery.org/index.php/2020/artist/rogers

Saturday 22 June – Seeing Nature with Becky Nunes (11am – 1pm)

Take a walk with photographic, lens-based artist and researcher Becky Nunes who aims to make visible the relationships we can build with nature. Becky will discuss what happens to our bodies when we slow down and spend time in green and blue spaces. Please bring a camera or camera phone. www.beckynunes.com

Saturday 20 July – Foraging for Families with Jas (1pm – 3pm)

Jas, founder of Forij, invites you on a fun and friendly ‘walkshop’ with her family along the canal at Kidsgrove to learn about the properties, uses, and histories of the plants we see every day. The edible greens you gather will become the ingredients for a warming tea at the end of the walk. Rediscover a balanced and respectful relationship with nature, and gain the confidence to forage in your own neighbourhood. Whether you’ve foraged before or are completely new to the idea, everyone is welcome. www.forij.co.uk

Postponed – date tbc – Local Nature Recovery Strategy walk with Natural England

Find out about the Staffordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and how we can all individually play our part in restoring the Natural Environment (11am – 1pm) www.natural-england.org.uk/ This walk was originally planned for Saturday 17 August, but will be rescheduled as soon as we have a new date.

Each walk will begin and end at the Kidsgrove Entrance to The Harecastle Tunnel, next to the Canal & River Trust lodge. The walk will be a leisurely pace, but please dress for the weather and will end with some refreshments.

If you haven’t been on one of the previous walks and are wondering what to expect, you might be interested to read about them over on our blog. Blog #3 is an interesting account of a walk based on floriography where you can also download a guide to the walk so that you can follow it for yourself if you missed out on the walk.

How to book

To keep things as safe as possible on the water’s edge, each walk is strictly limited to 25 places.

Our walks have been very popular and spaces go quickly, so please book via Eventbrite to guarantee your place. You can find all the walks in one handy collection at bit.ly/KCNRWalks or search for Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery. Booking on Eventbrite also means that we can contact you with any changes to the walk due to weather or other factors.

Places are free to book. If you are able, you can make a donation of any size towards our work bringing more of the activities and events that you like to the area at the point of booking.

If you do book a space and can no longer come, you can easily return your tickets via Eventbrite to free up space for others. Any donations will also be automatically returned.

If your preferred date is fully booked, you can add yourself to the waiting list on Eventbrite, and returned tickets will be offered to you on a first come, first served basis. Similarly, there may be free spaces available on the day if somebody with a booked place does not attend, so feel free to come along and check. These will also be allocated in order of who came first until full capacity is reached.

Please note:

Make sure to wear warm, preferably waterproof clothes and shoes!
Walks may need to be rescheduled where weather is bad or conditions become too slippery due to frost.
Walks along the often uneven towpath may not be suitable for everyone, including people with low vision or limited mobility, particularly in wet weather
Please let us know of any access requirements you’d like us to take into consideration via email to askus@appetite.org.uk with at least one week’s notice. We can’t promise to accommodate every request but we will do our best!
Do you have something you’d like to share with Anna about the canal, the plants or animals that live there? Get in touch at a.m.francis@staffs.ac.uk
If you’d like updates and future walks sent straight to your inbox, send us an email to askus@appetite.org.uk and we’ll add you to the update list.

About the project

Kidsgrove Canal Nature Recovery is a partnership project by Appetite and Canal & River Trust. Appetite are supported by Go Kidsgrove to deliver projects in Kidsgrove.

Anna Francis is an artist and researcher whose work promotes discussions about the spaces where we live through art. She is co-director of The Portland Inn Project.

Want to know what else is going on?

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Date and Time

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Venue

Trent and Mersey Canal at Kidsgrove

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Address

Meet at the lodge at the northern entrance to Harecastle Tunnel

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[vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1518790648295{padding-top: 35px !important;padding-right: 26px !important;padding-bottom: 35px !important;padding-left: 26px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1518098166297{padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#e6e6e6″ css=”.vc_custom_1519118571842{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row] [vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1519052053938{margin-top: 35px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #137dc4 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1519052060722{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” el_class=”event-max-width”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519119342724{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 26px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 26px !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light” css=”.vc_custom_1519120326282{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Contact the Box Office on 01782 717962 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light” css=”.vc_custom_1519120338052{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]askus@appetitestoke.co.uk [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1519052071506{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” el_class=”event-max-width”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519119355742{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 26px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 26px !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light”]

01782 717962

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askus@appetitestoke.co.uk

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Recycled Planter Making & Decorating

The image shows a old Roses chocolates plastic tub filled with soil and some small plants including a cactus. The planter is on a windowsill with a wooden blind behind it.

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Recycled Planter Making & Decorating

Head to Newcastle Common Saturday 20 April from 11am to 3pm to make your very own UGLY recycled planters to take home with artist Siobhan McAleer. Your very own over the top, colourful, joyous vessel for little Green pals.

If you have a plastic vessel bring it along and we will decorate it and make it fit for purpose! Think things like the bottom of two litre fizzy pop bottles, or big yoghurt pots or round, plastic tubs that were once full of Quality Street! Don’t worry if you don’t have your own, there will be some available for your to glow up.

We will be decorating our chosen pot using vintage, donated and recycled bits!

Access at Newcastle Common

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

The performances and activities are accessible for everyone.

The nearest toilets to Newcastle Common can be found at Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL, including accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities and baby changing. This is about a 4-minute walk from Newcastle Common.

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.

On-road blue badge parking can also be found at Merrial Street.

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Getting there

Newcastle Common can be found in the Lancaster Buildings on Market Square, opposite Boots and Guildhall.

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Date and Time

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Venue

Newcastle Common

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Address

2/3 Lancaster Buildings, Newcastle Town Centre, ST5 1PG

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Book a Place

No need to book, just drop in on Saturday

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[vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1519052053938{margin-top: 35px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #137dc4 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1519052060722{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” el_class=”event-max-width”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519119342724{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 26px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 26px !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light” css=”.vc_custom_1519120326282{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Contact the Box Office on 01782 717962 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light” css=”.vc_custom_1519120338052{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]askus@appetitestoke.co.uk [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1519052071506{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” el_class=”event-max-width”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1519119355742{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 26px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 26px !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][vc_column_text el_class=”link-left link-light”]

01782 717962

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askus@appetitestoke.co.uk

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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 havea 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 parkingwithin 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 onMerrial 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.

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.

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

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.

What is Hat to the Future?

*What is an artist-in-residence?

**What is a hat block?

Access at Newcastle Common

Parking

Toilets

Want to know what else is going on?

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 havea 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 parkingwithin 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 onMerrial 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, Instagram and X.

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.

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!

Check out Nabil’s golden buzzer moment:

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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