Local businesses have supported Smithfield Summer for 2025.
The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke BID, Victoria Hall (ATG), Martin & Co and Smithfield Works tenants – Barclays and Purple Digital – have all supported this month-long summer of activities – which has enabled free entry for families.
Smithfield Summer launches on Saturday 2 August where local artist Ash Wall will be performing – courtesy of the Victoria Hall.
The Urban Beach – which has had colourful new artwork added to the fencing by local artist Kidda Kinsey – has been reinstated and activities including Kite flying, will be taking place during weekends.
Creative People and Places programme – Appetite – will also be hosting a two-day Big Feast at the site where visitors will have the opportunity to experience groundbreaking virtual reality installation VOLO – which along with other activities has been supported by Smithfield.
Adele Simmons, Community Manager at Smithfield – who have organised Smithfield Summer – said: “We have a great space at Smithfield and we wanted to create something for local families to enjoy during the school holidays, which is why we are delighted to announce Smithfield Summer.
“We cannot wait to have our urban beach open where there will be lots of free activities taking place throughout August – weather permitting. We would also like to say a huge thank you to those who have supported us with this, as this has enabled for us to provide even more activities and entry free of charge for the whole month.”
Chris Plant, Deputy Chief Executive of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, who are based just down the road from Smithfield, in Etruria, said: “We’re proud to support Smithfield Summer which is bringing such a vibrant programme of free, family fun to the heart of the city.
“Events like this not only create lasting memories but also boost our local economy by drawing people into the city centre.
“It’s a fantastic example of community, culture and commerce coming together to make Stoke-on-Trent an even more exciting place to live, work and visit.”
Richard Buxton, CEO of Stoke BID said: ”We are delighted to be supporting the Smithfield Works initiative which will help and entertain families throughout the summer.”
Smithfield Summer events include:
Saturday 2 August – Launch of Smithfield Summer – local artist Ash Wall will be performing courtesy of the Victoria Hall
Saturday 9 August – Children’s activities
Saturday 16 August – Kite Flying
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August – Big Feast and VOLO with Appetite
Saturday 30 August – Big Summer BBQ