Kelvin the Kiln and the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent visited Salford ahead of them celebrating 100 years of city status in 2026.

The home of MediaCityUK and birthplace of LS Lowry, Emmeline Pankhurst and Christopher Eccleston will mark 100 years of city status on 21 April 2026.

Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary mascot, Kelvin the Kiln, also recently visited Portsmouth, another city which will celebrate its Centenary in 2026.

During the visit to Salford, Kelvin toured some of Salford's landmarks, including the Lowry theatre, MediaCityUK, Salford Lads Club and the famous Coronation Street cobbles.

The famous television street, which was inspired by the real-life Archie Street in Salford's Ordsall area, moved from the old Granada Studios in Manchester to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.

The visit comes ahead of Salford marking 100 years of city status on 21 April 2026 (image via Stoke-on-Trent City Council)

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, also presented the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Heather Fletcher, with a special Centenary plate crafted for Stoke-on-Trent by Moorland Pottery.

In return, Salford gifted the city a range of Salford themed gifts.

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent said: "Passing the baton to Salford is another proud moment for our city.

"We were made very welcome and it was a pleasure to visit places that mean so much to Salford's identity, from world-class cultural venues to the Coronation Street cobbles known across the country.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how Salford celebrates its Centenary next year. I know it will be an amazing year for them.

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent said passing on the baton is a

"As a fellow city shaped by industry, creativity and strong communities, Salford is well placed to mark its Centenary in a way that reflects both its history and its future.

"Here in Stoke-on-Trent we're used to our ceramics being distributed around the country, and indeed the world, but these handovers are particularly special. I'm proud that a plate from Stoke-on-Trent's own Moorland Pottery will be part of the Salford100 preparations."

The Salford Ceremonial Mayor added: "It's a really exciting time as we get ready for 2026 and the visit from Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Kelvin the Kiln has really got us in the centenary spirit for next year!

"It's been a pleasure to welcome them to Salford and great they have helped us launch our new Centenary flag.

"It's also been extremely useful to share thoughts and ideas on the importance of and how to celebrate our Centenary year."