Our Appetite Ambassadors volunteer behind the scenes helping to spread the word about our events. They become involved in the project in a variety of ways either as an audience member, sometimes a volunteer or even just a community member that is passionate about their area and wants to shout about all the great things to see and do in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Introducing Ambassador Lucy
I first became involved in Appetite in December 2022 with a project called ‘Bright Ideas’. Women of Kidsgrove designed and installed lights along the canal in Kidsgrove ready for the ‘down the rabbit hole’ event!
I love that Appetite includes all the local towns and Kidsgrove giving a much wider audience a chance to not only attend fantastic events, but the chance to be involved and a part of something spectacular.
My favourite Appetite event is a tough one because they are all absolutely fantastic! But I will never forget my very first event, Down the Rabbit Hole, I met some fantastic people, it was the start of my Appetite journey, and I got a chance to learn about light installation from the fabulous expert lighting designer Daniella Beattie.
I became an Appetite Ambassador so I can make a real difference and have that chance to make a change. I love that Appetite is for everyone! They are very inclusive and diverse from all backgrounds and walks of life! They have also helped to grow my confidence around people and help with my social anxiety.

If making a change and being a part of something special is for you, I recommend becoming a part of the Appetite ambassador family, they are all fantastic. It’s a fantastic opportunity.

Introducing Ambassador Beth
My name is Beth, and I am a currently a full-time carer for my 93 year old mum, have two teenage children, 3 cats and a very long suffering and patient husband! I love walking, reading, the circus and arts events (obviously!) and the sea (especially swimming in it!)
I have known about Appetite for a long time, but it wasn’t until 2022 that I finally got involved as a volunteer after seeing No Fit State circus at Hanley Forest Park, a production that was brought to the city thanks to Appetite.
My daughter and I attended an Appetite volunteer open day and quickly became involved in Newcastle Common which was a satellite library, event and exhibition space and generally welcoming place for the people of Newcastle and surrounding areas. I have also volunteered at several Appetite events around the city including The Big Feast in Hanley, Down the Rabbit Hole (Kidsgrove) and Earth Day (Keele University). It’s a joy to help out at these events and see the pleasure on people’s faces and I really love being a part of it.
Through my involvement in Appetite I have come to appreciate and value Stoke-on-Trent and the arts and entertainment we have on offer here. I have become aware of just how much is going on and have got to know so many wonderful people including other volunteers and Appetite staff to artists, creators and organisations in and around Stoke-on-Trent. It has given me a much more positive view of an area which is often mocked and described negatively in the media, and this is a big reason why I decided to become an Appetite Ambassador. There is so much on offer in the area that people are often not aware of, and I believe that by sharing information about Appetite events and activities allows other people to take advantage and become more involved in and appreciative of the local community.
I would encourage anyone who is able to get involved with Appetite either as a volunteer or ambassador. Unlike many volunteering
roles there is no time commitment, you can do as much or as little as you feel able to and the staff are wonderful at working with everyone to make it a positive experience. Being an ambassador allows me to sing about all the positive things going on around the area and, along with volunteering, has helped greatly with my mental health.

I am especially excited about 2025 and all the exciting events that Appetite and the city of Stoke-on-Trent have planned to celebrate the Centenary, and I look forward to meeting lots of you out and about at these events.
Thank you to Lucy, Beth and all our Ambassadors – you really do make a difference!
Do you want to help shout about local events? Find out more about how you can become an Appetite Ambassador over on our website https://appetite.org.uk/ambassadors/