Year in review - 2025 in Stoke-on-Trent told in 12 stories
By Liana Snape 31st Dec 2025
By Liana Snape 31st Dec 2025
As the year draws to a close, take a look back at 2025 in Stoke-on-Trent in 12 stories.
The city's centenary year saw new businesses open, statues unveiled, the Pig Walk Parade and more.
Here are some of the top stories from each month of the year.
January – A Stoke-on-Trent Oatcake shop features on TV
In January, the Staffordshire oatcake found itself in the spotlight after being featured on the BBC's 'Inside the Factory' programme.
Povey's Oatcakes on Biddulph High Street welcomed historian Ruth Goodman as she uncovered the history of the Stokie delicacy.
February – Funderworld Theme Park comes to Stoke-on-Trent
In February, crowds queued outside the 'UK's best mobile theme park' as it opened for first time in Stoke-on-Trent.
The city centre attraction took over the location usually used for Winter Wonderland and promised thrilling rides, plenty of fairground games and a massive selection of food and beverages.
March – A community allotment is brought back into use
In March, an allotment at Burslem Park reopened after being closed for over a year.
Countrywide Grounds Maintenance volunteered to clear the allotment of weeds and clutter so crops could be grown at the site as part of the project in collaboration with the owners of the park's cafe.
April – Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade
A carnival celebrating a quirky true story from Stoke-on-Trent's past brought thousands of people into Longton in April.
Longton Carnival and Pig Walk, organised by Longton-based arts organisation Urban Wilderness CIC, took place around the Longton Exchange shopping centre and The Strand and is this year a part of the city's centenary celebrations.
May – First business to move into Goods Yard is confirmed
The first business set to move into the Goods Yard development in Stoke was been confirmed in May as the site neared completion.
The commercial real estate company, Avison Young, announced that it would be relocating to the Pavilion building on the Goods Yard site in Stoke.
June - A century-old time capsule is opened
A century-old time capsule retrieved from the site of the former North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary Hospital was opened in June.
Inside the capsule was letters and documents about the history of the Royal Infirmary and coins donated to hospital from Newcastle Borough and Stoke-on-Trent councillors at the time.
Other findings included a £1 bank note, a hospital annual report from 1923, newspapers and a letter from the president of the Royal Infirmary's council to King George V.
July – A new barbecue restaurant opened
In July, a new restaurant opened in Stoke-on-Trent.
Micii, on Piccadilly in Hanley, has a menu including skinless grilled Romanian sausage called 'Mititei' and other grilled meat sharing platters, which are served with homemade pickles and a range of sauces.
August – Station Road reopens
Roadworks on the street outside Stoke-on-Trent Station were completed in August, two years after they first started.
Station Road, in Stoke, reopened fully on Monday 11 August with changes including wider pavements, a bus gate with ANPR cameras at Winton Square, new bus stops, seating and the relocated Josiah Wedgwood statue.
September – The Centenary mural is unveiled
The public were invited to view a spectacular centenary mural in Hanley after an official unveiling ceremony in September.
The '100 Years 100 Faces' mural features 100 portraits to honour the people who have shaped the city's cultural identity. Among those featured are Robbie Williams, Burslem legend June Cartwright, boxer Nathan Heaney, influencer Luke Hamnett, sculptor Andy Edwards, Eddie Hall and many more.
October – The restored Capo Statue is unveiled
The rebuilt sculpture of Burslem-born potter Josiah Wedgwood was unveiled at Etruria Hall in October.
The sculpture, known as Capo, was unveiled at Wedgwood's former home, Etruria Hall, by Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, Cllr Steve Watkins, and Chloe Chard, widow of the late sculptor Vincent Woropay.
November – Lost artwork by a local artist is recovered
Several 'lost' works from Potteries artist, Arthur Berry, have been rediscovered as part of a campaign by Barewall Art Gallery, in Burslem.
Some of the recovered works have now been found, authenticated and catalogued for the digital archive as part of the Arthur Berry 100 centenary programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
December – A rescue dog is named for Christmas
In December, a local kennel opened up the search for a rescue dog's name to the public, who festively called her Twinkle.
Animal Lifeline recently rescued Twinkle but were unable to determine her name as she had no microchip and did not respond to any names used by staff or volunteers, so they turned to social media.
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