This year for the first time in a number of years all six towns had a Christmas tree proudly displayed to mark the occasion.

Unlike last year and the year before Stoke finally rose to the scene with a tree in Stoke Minster.

I went on a mission to review Christmas Trees around the six towns to rank them out of ten. All of the trees around the city are put on by local community groups meaning they have to source the tree and pay for installation due to the city council no longer providing funding.

One disappointment of every tree in every town was many of the shops were closed giving it a ghost town feel, which is a shame.

Admittedly I could have started earlier, but part of the christmas tree magic is seeing them in all their glory, with their lights on. Having been to a few switch-ons around the city, it is important to remember the joy and delight that these trees bring to the local communities.

Here, I've ranked each tree in the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. Let's see who comes out on top.

Longton

Longton was rated 9/10 (Nub News).

Rating 9

Conveniently located in the Longton Exchange for all shoppers throughout the festive period to enjoy. The whole of the exchange is decked out in Christmas joy.

The tree is proportioned well with multicoloured lights and a bright twinkling star placed at the top. The shopping arcade also has stars placed on the lamp posts from all directions which light a path to the tree

Overall, despite the emptiness of the shopping arcade, the multicoloured joy of the Christmas tree was fantastic. 

Tunstall

Tunstall was rated 9/10 (LDRS).

Rating 9

Tunstall opted for an artificial tree and might have been the only town to do so but they don't lose marks for it. The tree, which is headed by a huge star and white light, looks inviting and warm.

Conveniently located in the heart of Tunstall in Tower Square makes it an attraction for all those who come to shop. One detail which I liked in Tunstall was the bollards were covered in knitted Christmas sleeves.

Unfortunately for Tunstall plans for the Christmas light switch on were delayed due to the effects of Storm Darragh. However in the wake of this where many towns and communities would have given up, the community rallied together and The Wheatsheaf pub opened their doors to the Christmas stall.

This shows how alive the festive joy is in Tunstall

Hanley 

Hanley was rated 9/10 (LDRS).

Rating 9

Hanley was decorated with two trees and Christmas decorations hanging between buildings which really added to the Christmas feeling. As you might expect from the city centre people were out last minute Christmas shopping.

Trees were bushy and adorned in warm, inviting white and blue lights which covered the tree. I did feel like Hanley had the most decorations on the surrounding streets; which again you might expect.

Hanley showcased an impressive commitment to holiday feel and is why it is rated so highly.

Burslem

Burslem was rated 8/10 (LDRS).

Rating 8

Located right in the heart of Burslem on Swan Square, this tree is impossible to miss and even better many of the nearby shops have decorations and the street lights are decorated with Christmas lights giving the town a wonderful feel to it.

With the shops also decorated the town does feel alive with the Christmas spirit. The light switch on took place in the midst of Storm Darragh, despite this many families still braved the wet and wind to come out and make the most of the spectacular event.

This tree remains a symbol of local pride and unity. As the nearby shops are also decorated it really does feel like Christmas in Burslem.

Fenton

Fenton was rated 8/10 (LDRS).

Rating 8

The bold while vertical lines on the tree light up the town hall square with radiant joy. As an added bonus City Road is full of Christmas lights as you drive through. 

The tree is sponsored by a range of local businesses which really add to the community feel. Located across from the town hall makes it easy for all to see and very convenient. The radiant glow of the lights will be capturing the attention of both residents and visitors. 

Unlike many of the other towns in Stoke-on-Trent the tree in Fenton is located away from the hustle and bustle of life. Basking in the warm glow does make you truly reflect. However with the streets being lined with decorations you really do get the best of both worlds.

Stoke

Stoke was rated 7/10 (LDRS).

Rating 7

As I walked around Stoke it was difficult to notice Christmas was actually around the corner. However unlike last year it wasn't completely devoid of any Christmas spirit. 

Stoke Minister has placed a tree in Glebe Street and adorned the many trees which line the road with strobe light, and when the sun goes down and the night sky is present it looks magnificent.

One thing that I feel Stoke is lacking is decorations lining Campbell Place to amplify the Christmas experience while shopping. Overall despite an obvious improvement I still feel there is more to do but heading in the right direction.

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READ MORE: Historic drinking fountain in Stoke-on-Trent to be moved to a new location

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