A year of celebrations will begin next month to mark the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The area was first recorded as a town and borough in 1173 and around the same time, during the reign of Henry II, the first charter was granted protecting the rights of Newcastle-under-Lyme's people.

More than eight centuries later, 21st century residents are gearing up to mark the milestone with events highlighting the borough's past, present and future. They are set to include the planting of a modern-day Lyme Forest of 850 trees at the former Keele Forest, in honour of the area's namesake woodland.

The town's museum will host exhibitions, talks and film shows based on monthly themes and a medieval extravaganza is set to be staged in Brampton Park. An 850-themed educational experience is also being developed and all the borough's schools are being invited to take part in the celebrations.

In total £25,000 has been earmarked by the council for the year-long celebration, through Borough Growth Fund allocations of £10,000 from 2022/23 and £15,000 from 2023/24. Sponsorship and financial contributions towards events are also being sought, with £35,000 secured so far from external sources, a report said.

The main celebrations will take place in June 2023 (Sarah Garner).

Council leader Simon Tagg spoke more about the plans at a meeting on Monday (December 13). He said: "This has been under planning for 18 months and has involved people from outside the organisation, including the New Vic, the college, the university and the Guildhall to name just a few.

"It's based on a civic celebration and community celebration of the 850th and a legacy we leave behind. There's still time for other events or ideas to be put forward from anybody and if they come into our offices they can be included in the programme.

"Key to it is celebrating our past and present and there's a full year of events and each month has got a theme. January is launching the overarching theme of fascinating folk of Newcastle and April is literature, October is the arts.

"June is going to be the big celebration, when we bring it all together in the summer and try to recreate some of the celebrations that took place in the 800th year. People who were around then still remember it, so we've got to try and make sure we get those memories for people in the future.

"We're aligning all sorts of events with the 850, such as the jazz and blues festival, Britain in Bloom and the annual fireworks. It goes beyond just the town centre and into the communities, with Chesterton and Kidsgrove getting involved, and I think it's something everybody across the borough can get involved in."

Councillor Tagg said the legacy would include an "invigorated" blue plaque scheme to replace the now defunct Civic Society nomination process, as well as a new book detailing the borough's history. An award scheme celebrating local heroes is also set to be established and the council is aiming to raise funds for a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September after a reign spanning 70 years, to be installed in Queens Gardens.

Councillor Sue Moffat said: "It's really exciting to be around at a time when we're celebrating 850 years of Newcastle. The programme looks really varied and I'm sure as it starts to take hold there will be a real momentum around it.

"I'm sure, as it begins to excite people, community groups will come up with their own ideas as well. So what opportunities will there be for a fringe festival version that might happen alongside this?"

Councillor Tagg replied there would be opportunities and there was no closing date for ideas. "It is a very long year and badging an event up as 850 is a great way to do it.

"If there's any sponsorship needed or money to get something up and running we can look in the pot. I want to see it across the borough, not just in main towns or villages."

Councillor Richard Gorton said: "This is the first time I have seen the programme and I really welcome it. I don't see anything wrong at all with encouraging people to learn more about the history of the borough.

"I think many of the events will be a boost to the performing and creative arts. And frankly I don't see anything wrong with civic pride.

"I particularly welcome the relaunch of the blue plaque scheme, that will be absolutely great. And if we could get as part of the outcome the relaunch of a civic society that would be a really great achievement."