Stoke-on-Trent city centre festival cancelled today due to bad weather

Organisers have taken the difficult decision to cancel today’s programme at The Big Feast due to the weather conditions affecting Stoke-on-Trent.

The only exception is Tender Exchange at The Potteries Centre, which will continue as planned.

The announcement was made by festival organiser Appetite, who said the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved had to come first.

In a statement, Appetite said:

<i>“We’re incredibly sorry to share that, due to the weather conditions, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel today’s Big Feast programme, with the exception of Tender Exchange at The Potteries Centre, which will still go ahead as planned.

“The safety and wellbeing of our artists, audiences, volunteers and team has to come first. With the conditions we’re facing today, we’re sadly unable to deliver the festival programme safely.

“We know how disappointing this will be for everyone who was planning to join us today – and we’re gutted too. An enormous amount of work, care and creativity has gone into bringing this weekend to life.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday, and to all of the artists, volunteers, partners, crew and team who have worked so hard to make The Big Feast happen.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”</i>

The cancellation means visitors who had planned to head into Stoke-on-Trent city centre for Saturday's festival programme will now need to make alternative plans.

The decision comes after a difficult spell of weather across the area, with conditions making it unsuitable for the festival to continue safely.

Appetite has thanked everyone who attended on Friday, as well as the artists, volunteers, partners, crew and wider team who helped put the event together.

Tender Exchange at The Potteries Centre went ahead today.

For updates, visitors can follow Appetite's social media channels and The Big Feast for any further announcements.