Big Events & Festivals in Staffordshire

Staffordshire is packed with festivals celebrating everything from food and drink to world famous and up-and-coming musicians, our proud ceramic heritage and more! 

Food and Drink Festivals in Staffordshire 

Stone Food and Drink Festival is one of the most popular foodie events in the West Midlands, enticing over 10000 people into the lovely canal town every year, with tastings, live demonstrations, and kids’ cookery masterclasses. 

The Great British Food Festival stops at the Trentham Estate on its national tour of the country’s most impressive castles and stately homes, offering free admission, eating challenges and live music – plus the chance to explore Capability Brown landscape. 

And the Marston’s Beer Festival Race Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse in November features thrilling horse-racing, a great selection of real ales, and live music. 

Another must do event is the Staffordshire County Show taking place in late spring each year. It’s a true family event with something for everyone, from dancing JCB diggers to show jumping, and stalls and activities to keep everyone occupied all day. 

Music festivals in Staffordshire 

Every summer, the Forestry Commission’s ForestLive concerts, in June, attract some of the biggest names in music to the wonderful surroundings of Cannock Chase Forest.  

Uttoxeter Racecourse has become one of our best live music venues in recent years, thanks to their Live Music Racedays every May and Ladies Night in June.  

The Trentham Estate hosts their Hot Summer Saturday concerts, lining up some of the UK’s best tribute acts, and Trentham Live with top performers including Lightning Seeds, Jess Glynne, Manic Street Preachers, and Busted. 

Leek Arts Festival (April-May) features top folk singers, while the town’s Blues & Americana Festival, in October, transforms pubs and restaurants into buzzing concert venues. 

And in Newcastle-under-Lyme, May’s Lymelight Festival gives up-and-coming artists their first taste of performing, while the Jazz & Blues Festival takes over at the end of July. 

Staffordshire Arts Festivals 

Staffordshire’s cathedral city has hosted the Lichfield Festival every July for almost 40 years.  

It’s one of the longest-running arts festivals in the country, and the varied line-up includes world-class choreography, stand-up from the country’s top comedians, and the Lichfield Festival Market in front of the majestic Lichfield Cathedral. 

Live theatre finds a home in the county town every summer, where performances of The Bard’s greatest plays draw sell-out crowds for Stafford Festival Shakespeare.  

Every two years, Stoke-on-Trent hosts the British Ceramics Biennial, a six-week celebration of the past, present and future of the ceramics industry. 

And Appetite’s summer programme features unforgettable outdoor spectaculars, such as The Homecoming in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and The Big Feast in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre. 

Sporting Events in Staffordshire 

Held at Uttoxeter Racecourse, the Midlands Grand National in March is one of the biggest days on the horse-racing calendar, drawing top steeplechasers from Britain and Ireland and thousands of punters from all over the country. 

Take on a running challenge at one of Staffordshire’s long-distance races, such as the Stafford Half Marathon (April), the 10 mile Castle to Cathedral Run from Tamworth to Lichfield (April), and the Potters 'Arf in Stoke-on-Trent (September). 

Or for something more sedate, the National Forest Walking Festival in May is a week-long chance to explore the beauty and history of The National Forest, with almost 100 walks taking in some of the county’s top attractions and captivating countryside. 

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival is a highlight of the walking calendar in the area.  2024 saw over 900 attendees sign up for over 50 different walks at the end of April and beginning of May.