Christmas is back! Santa's parade returns to Hanley for first time in ages

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Christmas is to return to Hanley with a bang as the first Santa's parade will be held in years. A 'festive extravaganza' is to be staged in the city centre after a series of lack lustre events since Covid hit.

StokeonTrentLive has delved into the archives to try to find out when Santa and his sleigh last made his way around the streets of Hanley and it appears to be way back in 2015.

Setting off from Smithfield at 11am on Saturday, November 23, Santa will parade through the city before jumping off his sleigh and opening his Claus’ Cabin in The Potteries Centre at around 1pm.

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The free parade is being organised by Stoke on Trent City Centre BID and The Potteries Centre and promises to 'wow visitors with its visual and audio celebrations'.

There will also be sprinklings of Christmas dust with the Elf on the shelf buddies, stilt walkers, walking Christmas puddings, a funfair and facepainting stations. The streets will also be lined with Christmas stalls with delicious delights and gifts.

Businesses, schools and community groups are now being invited to take part in the parade with a float/walking float, choirs, pantomimes and music groups to make this Christmas 'one to remember'.

The crowds in Hanley at Christmas 2006
The crowds in Hanley at Christmas 2006

Entertaining visitors throughout the day, local choirs and artists will be performing on the main stage at Fountain Square. However, it has not yet been confirmed how many trees will be set up and whether there will be a Christmas lights switch-on.

Potteries Centre manager Amy Whittaker said: “We are so excited to be part of bringing such an exciting festive parade event back to the city centre, it really will put us on the map. We want visitors to talk about it for years to come and experience the magic that Christmas in Stoke-on-Trent has to offer. We want as many people to get involved as possible.”

BID manager Richard Buxton said: “This event is set to be a creative collaboration for local people to enjoy. Christmas events should be accessible and affordable for families, so it’s very exciting that the parade will be free to enjoy whilst in turn promoting footfall to the quality retail and hospitality businesses on our doorstep.

"The whole day is set to be packed with an impressive programme of things to do for all ages, and we are delighted to be working in collaboration with The Potteries Centre to bring this to life.”

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