A host of events have been lined up to help celebrate the ninth annual Staffordshire Day on Thursday 1 May. 

The first official Staffordshire Day took place in 2016, and 1 May was chosen as the date through a public poll, as it is the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up his pottery company in 1759.

This year's bumper celebration will start on 1 May and run through to 5 May, Bank Holiday Monday, providing plenty of opportunities to take part in a busy countywide programme of events, many of them free.

On the anniversary of Josiah Wedgwood setting up the world-famous pottery firm, World of Wedgwood in Barlaston has free taster factory tours on Thursday 1 May.

Other events include the Great British Food Festival, at The Trentham Estate (3-5 May) which will showcase the best British produce while their Shaun the Sheep trail and Spring Bulb Festival continues until 18 May. 

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival will be in full swing, with a range of walks taking place until 5 May. Most of the walks are free to join, suit various abilities and interests and take place all over the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Walkers can ascend the stunning renowned Roaches, enjoy the wildlife roaming the heather filled moorlands, take in the beauty and tranquillity of local nature reserves, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk around Tittesworth Water or Rudyard Lake. 

Other events in Staffordshire include Tamworth Castle offering free entry for children (when accompanied by a full paying adult) on the afternoon of 1 May. And at Lower Drayton Farm, visitors can enjoy the Tulip Festival also on 1 May from 10am until 8pm.

As well, Drayton Manor Park will bring spectacular fireworks, live music, late rides and more to the celebrations on 3 and 4 May as part of their 75th anniversary celebrations.

Andrea Sammons, senior marketing officer at Staffordshire County Council said: "With just over a week now to go until Staffordshire Day, the excitement is really starting to ramp up.

"It's an important and proud day for everyone living in Staffordshire and when we tell the world what a great county it is. There's already lots of events listed for the day and over the Bank Holiday weekend and more being added every day. Visit our website for more information and get the date in your diary."

Further afield, The National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, will host 'The Year was 1945 - VE Day Celebrations (3-5 May) with a free weekend of activities inspired by the street party spirit of 1945. 

Live performances, including vintage 1940s inspired dance workshops, will set the scene for the celebrations which will culminate at the end of each day with a mass visitor singalong.

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