Smithfield delighted to support the Big Feast by Appetite
Smithfield is delighted to be supporting The Big Feast once again for the return of the 2026 festival.
Dancers, poets, musicians and community artists from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire will showcase their talents at the outdoor event, which is taking place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August.
Organised by Appetite, local performers will join nationally and internationally acclaimed artists for two days of live entertainment and family fun.
Performances and activities will take place at venues across Hanley city centre, including the Town Hall, Smithfield, Fountain Square, Bethesda Gardens, Albion Square, Parliament Square and Row, Lower Piccadilly, the Potteries Centre, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Drop City Books and Hanley Bus Station.
(Main image of a previous The Big Feast at the Smithfield Estate. Image by Jenny Harper)
Adele Simmons, Community Manager at Smithfield and Smithfield Works said: “Smithfield is delighted to once again be supporting The Big Feast by Appetite.
“The outdoor festival is a fantastic celebration event, which everyone can enjoy and brings together local talent along with national and international performers.
“We are really looking forward to this year’s event and cannot wait to welcome everyone to the Smithfield estate for another spectacular programme.”
Emily Labhart, Director of Appetite, said: “The Big Feast is all about bringing people together and celebrating everything that makes Stoke-on-Trent such a vibrant place.
“We believe culture has the power to transform how people experience a place, and every year the festival brings thousands of people into Hanley to enjoy free, world-class performances, spend time in the city centre and create lasting memories together.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Smithfield’s continued support, and proud to be working with partners who share our ambition to create a vibrant, welcoming city centre that people want to visit and feel proud of.”
Among the local highlights is Stoke-on-Trent-based inclusive arts organisation FRONTLINEdance, returning by popular demand with A Place Where We Belong and The Explorers in Training. Featuring disabled and neurodivergent community dancers, the interactive performances celebrate belonging, joy and adventure while inviting audiences to take part.
Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laureate Steven K. Beattie and Young Poet Laureate Cameron Hart will perform an energetic spoken word set exploring identity, humour and community, while Staffordshire Poet Laureate Scarlett Ward and Young Poet Laureate Pearl Knight-Dutton will share works inspired by the human experience.
For a full programme of performances and venues for please visit Appetite HERE
(Main image previous The Big Feast performance on the Smithfield Estate. Main image by Jenny Harper)
