Stoke-on-Trent will celebrate 35 years of friendship with its twin city Erlangen, with a special event honouring the enduring bond between the two communities.

The event - on Wednesday 15 October - will see a cherry tree planted and a new pathway at the Smithfield site officially named Erlangen Way in a tribute to the lasting partnership between the two cities.

The gesture mirrors Erlangen's existing Stoke-on-Trent Straße, symbolising a shared spirit of friendship and reciprocity.

As part of Stoke-on-Trent's Centenary celebrations, civic representatives from both cities will attend, including the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and the leader of the majority party in Erlangen, who will travel to the city to take part in the ceremony.

The twinning between Stoke-on-Trent and Erlangen was formalised in December 1989 and has flourished through cultural exchanges, educational links and civic collaborations. The cherry tree – chosen due to the prominent cherry tree growing regions in Bavaria – will serve as a living tribute to the friendship.

Cllr Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: "This is a proud moment for our city. As we celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent and 35 years of friendship with Erlangen, we're recognising a partnership that has enriched both communities.

"Erlangen Way and the cherry tree will stand as lasting symbols of our shared values and international friendship."

Martin Ogiermann, visiting Stoke-on-Trent for the first time, says: "We are deeply honoured to be included in all the festivities around Stoke's centenary celebrations.

"As your German friends for 35 years now, we hope the partnership will bloom like the cherry tree we will be planting together."

Later this month, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will mark 35 years of friendship with Erlangen with a special event linking both cities via live video. The celebration will take place at Commerce House, Festival Park, on Thursday 23 October, bringing together local representatives, students and guests from both sides of the partnership.

The event will feature former Stoke-on-Trent MP Joan Walley, who played a key role in establishing the twinning in 1989, alongside students from Stoke on Trent College sharing reflections from their recent visit to Erlangen.

The free event can be booked online here.