LIVE MUSIC TO KICK START FAMILY SUMMER OF FUN AT SMITHFIELD
LIVE MUSIC, an urban beach and tasty treats will be on offer for the launch of a family friendly month-long summer of fun in the City Centre.
Smithfield Summer – which launches on Saturday 2 August – is free-to-attend and will have various children’s activities – including kite flying and a big family BBQ – taking place on dedicated weekends.
For the opening event, local musician Ash Wall and his band SCRATCH, will be performing in the public realm of the Smithfield development, plus there will be food vendors located near to the urban beach – such as Scrumbles, GGs kitchen and Really Truly Scrumptious Sweets offering tasty delights such as Greek Chicken, oatcakes, cakes and more.
(Images by Smithfield, BabaBaboon and Ash Wall)
Organiser of Smithfield Summer, Adele Simmons, Community Manger for Smithfield, said: “We have worked with some amazing partners and supporters to enable our free-to-attend summer month and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to our opening event on Saturday 2 August, which will start from 11:30am.
“As well as live music from Ash Wall’s SCRATCH, we will have buckets and spades to use at our urban beach, plus some great food vendors will be situated in the public realm throughout the day.”
Adele adds: “The fun won’t stop there and throughout August we’ll also be doing fun giveaways at weekends as well as other children’s activities as we look to provide a real Stokie summer for our local residents. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us!”
Ash Wall’s SCRATCH is made up of Ash Wall – Vocals /Guitar, Bené Gee – Saxophone / Vocals, Danny Higgins – Bass and Jon Broberg on Drums.
Ash, who used to run creative hubs Pilgrims Pit in Stoke town and Captains Bar, in Hanley has performed at various Staffordshire venues as well as tourist attractions throughout the UK, including Alton Towers, Haven and Butlins.
“My music career really grew from being in Stoke-on-Trent and it’s always been important to me to support local things,” says Ash.
“There’s a lot going on in Stoke and a lot of opportunities to do things. Stoke has always felt like home and has been a big part of me since moving here 10 years ago. I’m a huge fan of the spirit and to be a part of this community event is something quite special.”
Artwork at Smithfield Summer’s urban beach by Kidda Kinsey
Local artist Kidda Kinsey has also designed artwork for the urban beach fencing and toys.
“This is the first time I’ve actually worked on designing an urban beach and it’s great to be a part of it all,” says Kidda.
“To bring a seaside to Stoke is brilliant. The designs around the fencing are all there to inspire others who use the urban beach – which is going to be really fun.
“Moats can also be created around the mermaid torsos and sandcastle toys, which are there to encourage interactive play.”
Smithfield Summer has also received support from local organisations including the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Victoria Hall ATG, Martin & Co estate agents and some of Smithfield Works business tenants – Barclays and Purple Digital.
The Smithfield Summer launch event will start from 11:30am on Saturday 2 August and the urban beach will be open daily from 10am – 4pm – weather dependent.
Smithfield Summer events include:
Saturday 2 August – Launch of Smithfield Summer – local artist Ash Wall will be performing courtesy of the Victoria Hall
Saturday 9 August – Children’s activities
Saturday 16 August – Kite Flying
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August – Big Feast and VOLO with Appetite
Saturday 30 August – Big Summer BBQ
For more information and updates please visit Smithfield on Facebook @smithfieldstoke and Instagram @smithfield_stokeontrent
