- A major public art trail has launched, featuring large ‘Staffy’ sculptures across the county.
- The Staffy Trail is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors from all over the country.
- People can download the trail app and share photos using #FollowStaffy and #StaffordshireDay10
A paws-itively exciting new public art trail has officially launched today (1 May) to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day.
The Staffy Trail features a pack of eleven large Staffy sculptures unleashed across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth and Lichfield, with additional locations to unlock across the wider county, inviting people to get out and explore like never before.
Positioned in key gateway locations with strong transport links, the trail is designed to welcome visitors into Staffordshire and encourage exploration beyond the main arrival points. With direct connections via the West Coast Main Line, it is expected to attract visitors from cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and further afield.
Designed to get tails wagging, the trail encourages people to discover the incredible attractions and places that make Staffordshire the nation’s playground, support local businesses and uncover the county’s rich history along the way.
Designed by local artists and inspired by ideas from schoolchildren, each stop along the trail tells a unique story about Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity and communities.
Delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Staffordshire County Council in conjunction with Making Trails, the trail is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and generate at least £600,000 for the local visitor economy.
The trail will run for ten weeks and feature a programme of themed weeks to encourage people to experience it in different ways. These will include running and cycling challenges, and even a dedicated ‘paws week’ for visitors exploring with their pets.
The first week of the Staffy Trail will kickstart with ‘Connection week’ – encouraging people to explore the trail by train and bus.
Visitors can download the official trail app to follow the route, unlock rewards at each location and discover even more things to see and do along the way from 1 May.
The launch comes as the county celebrates a decade of Staffordshire Day with a packed programme of events across the May bank holiday weekend. Highlights include:
- The Great British Food Festival
- Foundry Festival
- Burton’s Floating Market
- Perton Carnival
- Operation Mincemeat theatre production
- A live performance from Jethro Tull
- Pottery workshops at The Glost House
- Family activities at World of Wedgwood
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Staffordshire Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our county special, and this year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate its tenth anniversary.
“The Staffy Trail is a fantastic addition to this year’s celebrations. It will bring people into our towns, support local businesses and help showcase Staffordshire as the nation’s playground — a place full of energy, creativity and great experiences at the heart of the country.
“We’re proud to see this project come to life and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to explore everything we have to offer.”
Arthur Barnard, Chair of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LVEP, said:
“The Staffy Trail is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through partnership working. It brings together creativity, community and our visitor economy in a way that will have a real impact.
“By encouraging people to explore more of Staffordshire, spend time in our towns and discover new experiences, the trail will help strengthen our position as a must-visit destination.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“This is a fantastic moment for Stoke-on-Trent, as the trail will bring visitors to our amazing city, where they can see for themselves everything we have to offer. From our cultural heritage and history to the many local businesses and tourism hotspots we have, there is something for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.
“Staffordshire Day is about celebrating the shared culture, heritage and sense of pride that runs across the county and this trail is a brilliant way to bring that to life.
“We are proud to be part of this partnership that is delivering something exciting for residents and visitors to enjoy as part of Staffordshire Day celebrations.”
The Staffy Trail is now live and free to explore.
A printed Staffy Trail map can be picked up at any Staffordshire library.
For more information, to download the trail app, and to see what’s happening across Staffordshire Day, visit https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/follow-staffy/.
