What's on in Stoke this weekend: Independent cinema, rock festival, charity football match and more
By Liana Snape 21st May 2026
There's plenty to get up to in and around Stoke-on-Trent this weekend.
This weekend's what's on in Stoke-on-Trent is brought to you by by SIXTOWNS Distillery and Bar, Rupeyal Takeaway and Little Seeds.
Planning an event? Add it to our What's On page here.
Northern Soul: Still Burning | Stoke Film Theatre | Hartshill Rd | Fri 22 to Sat 23 May
Stoke-on-Trent's independent cinema, Stoke Film Theatre, will be showing Northern Soul: Still Burning on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May at 7:45pm.
The cinema is located at The Wade Centre, Hartshill Road.
Stoke Film Theatre said: "Northern Soul: Still Burning charts how this movement has weaved and transformed itself musically and culturally through the decades.
"Northern Soul continues to re-invent itself more than any other music genre, remaining as vibrant and relevant today as when it first evolved.
"It features interviews with key figures including Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Elaine Constantine, Russ Winstanley and Dave Evison."
Tickets are available online at £9.16 for an adult ticket (including booking fees).
Burslem Urban Rock Festival | Burslem | Sat 23 May
IFK Legacy CIC, the team behind the Lemmy statue, are now organising the Burslem Urban Rock Festival which will take place in Market Place – also referred to as Lemmy Plaza – on 23 May.
The headline act, Motörheadache, a tribute band recommended by Motörhead Official, will be joined on stage by original drummer and Motörhead founding member, Lucas Fox.
Director of IFK Legacy Andy Edwards, said: "The statue is like a flag in the ground – something concrete – but the legacy project is ongoing. It's a living tribute to Lemmy.
"Ultimately the plan is to try and grow new Lemmies and give people opportunities to get into music, whether that is as a spectator or as a participant."
Headspace FC CIC Match | Bet365 | Sun 24 May
Headspace FC CIC, which was set up by brothers Kenny Bartonshaw and Cliff Barton in 2024, have organised a match on 24 May to raise awareness and funds to support mental health across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
The money raised from ticket sales – which are £4 for adults and free for children – and the prize draw will be split between Headspace FC, Man Time and Mind North Staffs.
Kenny said: "The money that we're raising will support us so we can keep running our sessions."
He added: "Everything we do is off our own back because we're completely voluntary."
Lymelight Festival | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Sat 23 and Sun 24 May
Lymelight Festival, taking place between 12pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, will feature three outdoor stages: the Guildhall Stage, the Ironmarket Stage and the 6 Towns Radio Acoustic Stage outside Keele in Town.
The outdoor festival will be accompanied by a wider programme happening in venues and spaces across Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: "Lymelight has grown year on year because it's built around the town and the people in it.
"It brings people into the town centre, supports our local businesses and creates a real atmosphere right across the weekend. "
Take a look at our full list of events in the Potteries here.
If you're hosting an upcoming event list it on our What's On page here.
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