The Six Towns Carnival returns to Hanley today with live performances, a carnival parade, a fun fair and more.

Performances in Hanley Park will kick off at 11am with the parade starting at 3pm.

The free event has been running for 28 years and aims to promote unity and resilience in a celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions.

Sarah Chevolleau, event director and director of Staffordshire Association for Black Lives Equality (SABLE), said: "My family have organised this event for many years and it is such an important touch point for the long-standing Caribbean community we have in this city.

"The centenary year is a good point to reflect on all the people who have made up our history, and this year we are also celebrating the talent of our young people and looking forward to the future. Carnival is for everyone." 

The organisers say all ages and cultures are invited to experience the atmosphere, with a carnival parade, sound systems, dance, choir, drumming and craft workshops and world food throughout the day. 

The programme for the day also offers a main stage from 11am – 7pm celebrating regional soul, reggae, rap and spoken word, and Warwick's funfair are there all day.  

SABLE have supported a programme of schools engagement led by Monica Hall, the development of GIRL SING, a choir that promotes performance confidence in teenage girls, and for the first time are supporting a DJ tent for local artists to share their skills.

The programming also includes workshops to 'have a go' at rap and spoken word, African and Asian dance, and African drumming, as well as being entertained by live music stars, steel pans and traditional Caribbean games.  

Gabriella Gay, artistic director of the carnival and founder of Kwanzaa Collective UK, says: "As a Trinidadian by birth but someone who was made by Stoke-on-Trent I believe it's an honour to bring Caribbean Carnival traditions to the next generation.

"Carnival is the celebration of unity and joyous resilience in difficult circumstances, and even in our Centenary year Stoke has its share of difficulties. The vibrancy of Carnival brings communities together, makes memories, and celebrates our resilient spirit." 

The event organisers ask families to plan their travel to avoid on-street parking around Hanley Park.

There is paid parking available at Hinde Street car park, Staffordshire University car park and Stoke-on-Trent College.