A free outdoor arts festival with puppetry, circus and dance performers is returning to Stoke-on-Trent later this week. 

The Big Feast, now in its eleventh year, will see performances in 14 locations across Hanley including the Potteries Centre, Piccadilly, Bethesda Chapel, the bus station, the old town hall and Smithfield. 

The event is organised by Appetite and will take place between 11am-5pm on Friday 22 August and Saturday 23 August. 

You can see ancient pupperty this weekend in Hanley. (Anna Hornby)

Appetite director Rachel Adams said: "At Appetite, we believe everyone should have access to creativity and culture. That's why The Big Feast is free, welcoming and bursting with variety – there's something here for everyone. 

 "Whether you want to be wowed, uplifted, moved or simply entertained, we hope this year's programme brings a little more colour and joy to your day. 

"This is your Big Feast, and we're glad you're part of it." 

This year's highlights include 'Ancient Giants' by Inspirate, an epic battle of Gods and Demons from ancient South Asian tales, imagined through giant puppetry, dance and martial arts. 

Big Fatt Dance Party is returning this year. (Sam McMahon)

And 'Now I Am Become d/Deaf (Destroyer of Words)' by Tit for Tat Circus – a visually rich exploration of hearing loss and identity through clowning and movement 

As well as the 'Big Fatt Dance Party' by Fatt Projects, a riotous drag-fuelled dance extravaganza. 

Appetite is also inviting everyone to join in to create an origami model city of the six towns in The Potteries Centre, make a dream pillow filled with aromatic herbs in Bethesda Chapel, and take flight on a swing with a virtual reality headset in Smithfield. 

Families can also try their hand at circus skills, among other free activities for all ages throughout the weekend. 

The two-day Big Feast festival is free, and no booking is required. It has been organised by Appetite in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Smithfield and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

You can view the brochure for the event here.