Fringe – now in it second year – runs until 15th June and aims to showcase the city’s vibrant arts and creative industries scene. Over the next few weeks in and around the university’s Stoke-on-Trent campus there will be film screenings, live music, art exhibitions, night walks, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, pop-up museums, markets and lots more.

Some of the highlights include:

• Some of the student designers who worked on Stoke-on-Trent’s award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden ‘Transformation’ will be showcasing their work and inspirations – 11th June, 6pm – 9pm. Venue to be announced – check www.fringefest.org.uk for details
• On Saturday 25th May, a bandstand at Hanley Park will be transformed into a festival venue for Parklive, which runs from 12pm to 2pm
• There’s a pop-up comic book shop between June 7th and 17th
• The Amazing Camera Obscura, an old Victorian photographic booth on the College Road site on June 13th
• The London Road Festival on 8th and 9th June
• The grand finale on 15th June will feature a cultural parade.

Fringe Festival 2013 is co-ordinated by the Fringe team at Staffordshire University led by the Creative Communities Unit in partnership with B Arts.Visit www.fringefest.org.uk for more information and a full programme of events.

Community radio station Cre8 will be broadcasting on a temporary FM licence over the Fringe festival. It’s on 87.7FM in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle and you can listen online HERE

The unexpected windfall will help keep the salon, which has helped hundreds of women who lost their hair, going and also aid development plans.

Set up in June 2011, the salon provides a variety of affordable holistic beauty treatments, from one-on-one wig fittings to massages.

Fiona Ford, salon co-founder, said: “I wanted to turn a positive into a negative. It’s a place for ladies to come and discuss their journeys and leave feeling confident.

“We’re going to put the £10,000 from Avon and Glamour towards the cost of building a bespoke salon which will cost in the region of £150,000.”

The salon team hope to move from their current temporary base at the hospital’s Cancer Centre into new bespoke premises by June 2014.

They have already raised £50,000 towards their target.

The salon helps alopecia sufferers and those who have been through neurosurgery as well as cancer patients.

To find out more or to help with the fundraising, contact the salon on 01782 672727 or visit  www.uhnscharity.org.uk.

Activities will be staged over a 100-day period throughout summer, concluding with a Creative Festival on August Bank Holiday weekend.

The celebrations begin on May 16 with a balloon release of 100 balloons.

The charity wants local businesses to support the launch by sponsoring a balloon for £10 each, and the business balloon that goes the farthest will win five monthly gym passes.

Nichola Twemlow, YMCA business development officer, said: “This is an opportunity for us all to celebrate, with our communities, all of the hard work that has taken place for the past 100 years.”

All proceeds will go towards sponsoring three young people to volunteer at the YMCA International Youth Festival, August 4-10, in Prague.

Other events include a 24-hour radio marathon, organised by the relationships services team.

Angela Pye and Ellen Anderson will be running this on Knot FM, which works in partnership with the YMCA North Staffs and broadcasts from their campus in Hanley.

Angela said: “We were originally doing the radio show and it went down quite well, but we are very busy and couldn’t carry it on.

“However, we really enjoyed doing it and we got some really good feedback, so when we were approached for an idea to do fundraising, we thought it would be brilliant!”

Other events include:

·         16th May – Launch event – 100 balloons released sponsored £10 each by local business / 24 hour radio marathon Knot FM with Ellen and Angela

·         19th May – One Big Activity Day
·         1st June – Charity abseil with Purple Cow & The Realise Foundation
·         1st – 2nd June – Tour De Y – 100 miles across North Staffordshire
·         17th – 21st June – Staff and board members fundraising week
·         8th – 12th July – Young people’s fundraising week
·         26th July – Stoke freestyle Kickboxing day
·         24th – 26th August – Creative festival

For more info on the balloon launch, click here: http://www.ymcans.org.uk/whats-going-on/?article=66

For more info on the general event, click here: http://www.ymcans.org.uk/whats-going-on/?article=65

Maanik Chadda’s gig will see bands including Jesse’s Divide, Daniel John Marsden, Helena Raby and headline act Sherry Counsellors play on May 10 at the Wedgewood Street BAD EDIT Venue.

Maanik, 20, originally set up the website as part of his university dissertation.

But the site has grown in popularity and is a key showcase for local music, arts, culture and more on one website with original interviews and gig reviews.

Michael Holdcroft is the BAD EDIT creative director and is excited for the new venture.

“Stoke of Genius have such a great knowledge and relationship with the music scene in and around Stoke-on-Trent, it only made sense for them to put on a night of their own.

“We are happy that they will make the BAD EDIT venue their own and look forward to seeing their genius shine.”

Early bird tickets are available on the BAD EDIT website or are £5 on the door on the night.

Gill Franklin

Spode Works Visitor Centre wants Stoke-on-Trent people to become part of the Spode Works teapot exhibition.

They are asking for the public to send in photographs of themselves with their favourite Spode teapot.

The Spode Museum Trust was set up in 1987 as an independent charitable to protect its collection and archive most of which is still intact after 200 years.

Susan Coates, project coordinator, said: “So often galleries focus on ‘important’ objects, the ones that have never been used or touched.

“We want to celebrate people’s own teapots as well as Britain’s love of tea.”

Following the closure of Spode’s historic factory on Church Street, the connection between the Pottery and buildings is in danger of being lost.

Volunteer Gill Franklin, of Penkhull, started off the stories with her ‘Maritime Rose’ patterned teapot.

She said: “The teapot was a gift to my mum from her sister and my uncle, James Upsdell.

“He worked for Copelands and later became the curator of the Spode factory museum.”

Another of the responses the team received came from Pauline and Trefor, all the way from Victoria, Australia.

The Spode Works Visitor Centre will be displaying the stories that are sent in and a selection of the teapots will be shown later in the year.

The centre is open every Friday and Saturday from 10.30am to 4pm. From May to September, it is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays between the same times.

Teapot photos and stories can be posted to the gallery or emailed to hello@spodeworks.org

Entries should include a name and contact details if people would like their teapot to be considered for the summer exhibition.

For more information about the Teapot Tales appeal go to www.spodeworks.org

Al Murray

Comedian Al Murray is bringing his new show to The Regent Theatre.

He will bring his Pub Landlord character to Stoke-on-Trent on May 15.

A spokesperson said: “Britain’s most irrepressible Innkeeper will be serving up his premier brew of ale-inspired acumen and bar-room buffoonery”.

The Only Way Is Epic.

Tickets for Al Murray: The Only Way Is Epic can be booked by calling 0844 871 7649 or visiting www.atgtickets.com/Stoke.

Click below to see a trailer for the new show:

With the sun beginning to show its face again, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind…Summer. This year you won’t need to go too far to keep yourself entertained.

With festivals all over Staffordshire and prices to suit all budgets, there’s no excuse for anyone to be staying indoors. Here is a list of ten festivals that you will find right on your doorstep.

Lymelight Festival

Date:  4^th-6^th May 2013

Price:  FREE

Location: Newcastle-Under-Lyme

With thirty local bands and musicians including headliners Six Towns. There will be  live street performers, buskers, classical music, arts and vintage stalls not forgetting food and real ale producers so there is sure to be something for everyone at this festival.

The Acoustic Festival of Britain

Date: 31^st May – 2^nd June 2013

Price: £105 (3 day adult weekend with 3 nights camping)

Location: Uttoxeter Racecourse

This three day music festival hosts a range of unplugged and acoustic music.  If you’re into folk, roots, Celtic, blues, rock, spa, burlesque or maybe just camping then this may just be the place for you.

Confirmed acts include The Proclaimers, The Christians, Jenny Belle Star, Quill.

Uttoxeter Food & Drink Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse

Date: 22^nd June – 3^rd June 2013

Price:  Advance tickets £3.00, £4.00 on the day, Children under 16 FREE

Location: Uttoxeter Racecourse

A two day celebration of food and drink, browse the farmers market and enjoy a taste of food from around the county. Not hungry? Then visit the real ale tent where you can get a taste of Staffordshire’s best local real ales.

Stafford Festival Shakespeare

Date: 27^th June – 13^th July 2013

Price: £10.00 – £23.50

Location: Stafford Castle

Exploring the balance between reality and fantasy, this festival stages one of Shakespeare’s best known farcical tales; A Midsummers Night’s Dream. The play will be combined with original music and a unique setting.

Forest live

Date: 28^th June – 29^th July 2013

Price: £36.00 plus BF

Location: Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley Forest Centre

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a philanthropist an animal lover or both, this may just be your perfect festival. The money from ticket sales is used to improve local forests for both people and wildlife. Not only this, but the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere that have full catering and bar facilities included. The two day festival is headlined by Blondie and the lightening seeds.

The Great British Music, Food and Drink Festival at Shugborough Estate

Date: 29^th June – 30^th June 2013

Price: From £5.00

Location: Shugborough Estate

A child friendly festival with a traditional British summer party feel. This festival offers games, activities and even a balloon race for the kids. Oh and don’t forget the food and drink exhibition for the grown-ups.

Lichfield Festival

Date: 4^th July – 14^th July

Price: Various ticket prices

Location: Lichfield

This annual arty festival brings both national and international artists and performers to the west midlands for a summer celebration of classical music, dance, drama, jazz, literature, poetry, visual arts and world music. Last year’s highlights included The Philharmonic orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, comedians Chris Addison and Alan Davies.

Alton Towers Live

Date: 6^th July

Price: £55.00 plus £4.00 bf

Location: Alton Towers theme park

This year acts include Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Little Mix, James Arthur, Conor Maynard, Stooshe and Union J. Visitors can enjoy chart topping hits while enjoying a day out at the theme park. Speaks for itself really.

V Festival at Weston Park

Date: 17^th – 18^TH August

Price: From Day tickets from £89.00 (Advanced bookings only)

Location: Westwood Park, South Staffordshire

Another star studded event from V Festival. This year headliners include Beyoncé, kings of Leon Stereophonics with many others still to be announced.

Stone Food and Drink Festival

Date: 4^th October – 6^th October

Price: Gate ticket £6.00 per day

Location: Stone

This festival showcases over 70 exhibitors offering ‘the best Staffordshire had to offer’. There will be cookery demonstrations on the hour every hour if you fancy learning a recipe or two. They have also ensured that there is more for the youngsters to do. This includes cookery classes, food experiments, fairground rides and entertainment.

So since the sun has his hat on (or even if he does decide to take it off again) why don’t you put on your shorts and vest (or your wellies and anorak) then get yourself down to one of these Festivals.

Organisers are hoping that a blend of art, music, food and crafts will draw in the crowds.

“Times have been hard for Burslem,” organiser Michael Stanier explained.

“We just want the festival to bring a fresh buzz to the town.

“The Port vale celebration is also another reason for locals to celebrate the achievement of the mother town.”

The festival will take place on The Swan Square on Saturday May 4 where visitors will be able to experience food and crafts markets produced by the Burslem School of Arts.

On Sunday and Monday May 5 and 6, performers will include singer Ollie Marland, The Changing Man and British guitarist Simon Townshend.

To find out more information on the Burslem Festival visit the Facebook event page here.

Burslem School of Arts is hosting an exhibition from May 14.

The event is being organised by Photographers Collective North Staffordshire to promote the work of local people.

Photographer Nicola Gater told StaffsLive that she hoped that the competition would draw in enthusiasts of all abilities to help promote Burslem as the creative heart of the county:

All entries have to be in on Friday 3rd May from 11-5pm or Wednesday 8th May from 12pm-5pm at the Burslem School of Art, Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke–on-Trent  ST6 3EJ

The exhibit “Open For All” is due to take place at the Burslem School of Art from May 14.

The event has been organised to raise awareness and gather support for photography in the city.

There is no set theme and both amateurs and professionals are encouraged to take part.

Entrants can submit up to three pieces and entry is £2.50.

Pictures must be handed in to the gallery by Wednesday May 8 or posted to Burslem School of Art, Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke–on-Trent, ST6 3EJ.

Winners will be announced at an awards evening on June 3 at the School.

To download full information and entry forms at: https://photocns.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/open-for-all-comp/