SaturDads, 2 November - Sandyford Fire Station

On Saurday 2 November, the SaturDads group will be visiting Sandyford Fire Station.  They've visited before, and it's always been a lot of fun.  There can be a lot of sitting around waiting, but once they're up and running, you get a tour of the station, including the changing rooms, the helmets; breathing apparatus and all that kit, and get to see whatever fire engines are in at the station at the time.  Last time we went, the crew actually had to go out on a call, and we saw the fire engine drive off with lights and sirens.  The officer who was showing us round apologised that the crew hadn't been able to stay, but this was a highlight of the visit - later we saw the fire engine return to the station too, and the crew had to tidy up all the fire hoses etc.

There are plenty of fire safety resources provided too - colouring books, stickers, sometimes magnets and that kind of thing.Recommended - and just in time for bonfire night too, making it a useful reminder to stay safe with fireworks.

Here's the link to the SaturDads event website.
Here's the location of Sandyford Fire Station.  Google Maps doesn't show it (it isn't up-to-date) but it's on the wasteland shown on the west of Reginald Mitchell Way.

And here's the address:
Sandyford Community Fire Station, Marlborough Way, off Reginald Mitchell Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5ED

Sat Nav users are advised to use ST6 5NZ

The event will be 10:30-12:00, as usual for SaturDads.

Sneyd Arms Car Boot Sale, 6 October

The Sneyd Arms pub in Sneyd Green is holding a car boot sale on Sunday 6 October from 8:00-12:00.  There aren't many other details - they're advertising with a hand-painted banner on their fence - but it could well be worth a visit if you aren't busy - or if you're on your way to church.

In my experience, car boot sales take a while to become established with regular sellers, and since this is (as far as I know) only the first one here, it may be only lightly populated.  Worth a visit if you're up very early on a Sunday morning (and if you've got young children, you probably will be).

Location map:
Satnav: Sneyd Arms, ~148 Hanley Road, Stoke on Trent ST1 6DB

Nature Tots, Westport Lake, 18 October

Join the toddler group for some pre-school nature inspired fun.  This activity will including going on a trail near Westport Lake, and finding all the mini-beasts you can.  Each session includes crafts, a snack, an outdoor trail and story time.  I've not been before, so I can't say what it's like, but the target audience is at least up to 5 or 6, reading the Stoke Nature Tots website. It's local, looks like fun, and with a snack and a craft included, is good value at £2.50 per child.

The session lasts from 10:00 - 12:00 and is at Westport Lake (just off Davenport Street ST6 4LG).  Here's a location map.  I imagine if the weather is bad, they'll run most of the activity inside the visitor centre.

SaturDads October 2013

SaturDads is a Stoke-on-Trent initiative to encourage dads, uncles, granddads and father figures to spend time with their children... and it's great.  Based in one of the various children's centres around Stoke, they meet on the first Saturday of the month, from 10:30-12:00 and have various activities.  Sometimes they visit a fire station, but typically it's held in a children's centre, which means lots of craft, outdoor activities (if the weather is good), sand, water... all that stuff.  And there's even a breakfast meal served at about 11:30.  And there's no cost.

The October 2013 meeting will be at Norton's children's centre.  The postcode is ST6 8JW and I also have a location map.  I thoroughly recommend going, it's great.

Klondyke Steam and Vintage Engine Show

On 19-20 October 10:00-4:00, at Klondyke, Draycott in the Clay, there will be a classic steam and vintage engine show.  Some of the engines will be of the stationary kind (used for powering mills and that sort of thing), but the website indicates a general invitation for all sorts of cars, primarily from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Klondyke Steam and Vintage Show

Pricing is a rather strange "£5.50 / £1.50" but I can't say for sure if that's adults/children... probably!

Attractions include engines in steam (i.e. burning coal and producing steam); vintage tractors; stationary engines; cars; bikes; lorries; miniatures; stalls and refreshments.

Location:  Klondyke Mill Preservation Centre, Draycott in the Clay, DE6 5GZ

Approximate Location Map - the North Staffs and Cheshire Traction Engine Club are a little vague with their map.

Alsager Scouts Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale

One for the bargain-hunters and those who like to buy Christmas presents early - Alsager Scouts are holding a coffee morning and table top sale on Saturday 28 September.

There will also be an information stand for anyone wishing to find out more about joining Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and information will also be available for any adults who may be interested in becoming a leader or helper.  A good opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake and grab a bargain.

Alsager Civic Centre
Lawton Road
Alsager
Stoke-on-Trent
ST7 2AE

Location map (I think the civic centre is at the junction between Lawton Road and Sandbach Road, but this is as close as I could get).

Holmes Chapel Toy Collectors Fair

Another toy collectors' event, 13 October 2013, this one is the Holmes Chapel Toy and Train Collectors' Fair.  All the usual trains, Hornby, possible some Meccano, Dinky Toys - all that kind of stuff.  If Crewe is too far for you, and your children are interested, it should be a good place to go.  Entrance is typically £1-£2.

Holmes Chapel
Toyfair / Swapmeet
Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre
Selkirk Drive
CW4 7DZ

Sunday 13 October 10.30am - 3.00pm

Location map

Crewe Toy and Games Collectors Fair

An ideal event for collectors of Meccano, Dinky toys, trains and so on, there will be a Crewe Toy and Model Collectors' Fair at West Street, Crewe, on Saturday 12 October.

There's no indication of admission prices at this stage, but this would suit toy and train collectors in particular - they do seem to gravitate to Crewe, which isn't surprising.  There'll be all the usual Hornby stuff, I'm sure, as well as some of the older and more collectable (i.e. expensive) items.  Good for a browse, especially if admission is free or sensibly priced (I'm sorry I can't find details).  You could go to the Crewe Heritage Centre Event as well (or instead) depending on your preference.

Victoria Oakley Centre, West Street, Crewe, CW1 2PZ
Saturday 12 October 2013
10:30 - 4:00 pm

Location map

Crewe Heritage Centre - Model and Miniature Railway Gala

Crewe's Railway Heritage Centre will be hosting a model and miniature railway gala on 12-13 October.  This should be lots of fun - you'll get to see all the usual outdoor exhibits (there are dozens of trains, engines, coaches and other bits and bobs outside) and additional indoor model railway layouts.  There will also be miniature railways - outdoor ride-on trains, and so on.

This will be their third gala of the year, with a range of steam, diesel and battery electric traction.  They will also be running all their own locomotives as well a mix of visiting locomotives.

The Crewe Heritage Centre
Vernon Way
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 2DB

Location map

12-13 October, 10:00-4:30
Adults £6.00, Concessions £3, children under 5 are free

The Heritage Centre is located behind Tesco Extra.

Classic Car Show, Uttoxter Racecourse

This classic car and bike show on Sunday 29 September features car club displays from the Potteries Capri Club,  North Baam Classic Car Club and the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.  Also, 80 private entries will represent popular manufacturers such as Triumph, MG, Ford, Singer, Buick, Vauxhall and Austin. The event is organised by James Austin Events.

According to the website, this show also attracts a good number of classic bikes such as BSA, Norton and Matchless etc.  If your children are interested in cars (maybe even classic cars) then this could be a good show.  It's not free (unlike the recent show at Stoke Michelin and the Britannia Stadium) but if it appeals to your children, then it is more likely to be good value.

Tickets:  £6.00 per adult, £2.00 per child (7-14yrs), under-7s are free
​
Sunday 29 September
10am - 3.30pm

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Uttoxeter
Sta ffs
ST14 8BD
Location map

Jodrell Bank: Snowballs in Space

The Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope and Observatory is a great place to visit on an ordinary weekend, but during October half term they have some special events on. The main child-friendly event is 'Snowballs in Space' which runs on weekdays from 21 October - 1 November (covering the early and late half term holidays).  The event looks like lots of fun - they suggest children aged 5+ and if there's sitting down and listening to a presentation, I'm inclined to agree!

There's already plenty to do, as I said, but the shows are on at 11.30, 12.30, 2.30 and 3.30 pm. The telephone number is 01477 571 766, call to reserve your seats.

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
The University of Manchester
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 9DL
Sat nav: SK11 9DW

Location map

Fiat: "Dad, get your trousers back"

I have an interest in cars.  It's only a typical Dad-type interest - I don't drool over car magazines, I don't go racing or polish my car to within an inch of its life.  But my car needs to be reliable enough to do the school run and to take my family on Days Out With Daddy, with enough room for everybody to be comfortable, and for the back-seat occupants, to have enough space to play with their various toys without hitting each other.

And I like looking at car adverts periodically, and we go to motor shows.  I have no intention of swapping my car, but I like to window shop occasionally.

Which brings me to the latest advertising campaign by Fiat.  What are they thinking?

Do they really think I'm going to 'get my trousers back' by driving a car that's bright marigold yellow? Seriously?

Bargain Book Sale, Hanley Library

Starting 23 September at Hanley Central Library (location), there'll be a bargain book sale.  And not just books, but CDs and DVDs too.  I can't recall the prices, but "bargain" is accurate.  At the last sale, I think it was £1 for DVDs and 50p for CDs - the books were variable depending on fiction/non-fiction, and children's books were particularly cheap.  In fact at the last one in Tunstall Library a few months ago, they got to the stage where they were offering a bag of books for 50p - choose your own books and fill a bag.

Highly recommended for your younger readers (and for parents too!).

Sale starts 23 September, and it's first come, best read.  Finishes Saturday 5 October.

Odeon Kids Films Update

Just a word of warning to add on to my recent post about the Odeon Kids' Club which runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings:  Odeon shows a number of children's films at around the same time in the morning, but only one of them is Kids' Club and has the lower price.  We recently went to watch Despicable Me 2 which started at 10:50, and made the mistake of assuming that because it was a kids' movie, it would have the special rate.  The Kids' Club movie is the one that start at 11:00 am, and it's the only one that is discounted.

Otherwise, a family outing that you think will cost £10 (£2.50 x 4) will cost closer to £25.

Mike The Knight at Warwick Castle

Mike the Knight will be visiting Warwick Castle on the weekends of 21-22 September and 28-29 September. There'll be a range of chivalrous activities and a multitude of medieval missions, including an opportunity to meet  Mike himself, so your little knights in training won’t want to miss out!

Whether it's trying out their archery skills at Mike’s Target Test, setting off on an adventure of discovery with Sparkie and Squirt in the Dragon Egg Hunt, or exploring the castle and grounds of Britain’s ultimate Castle, it will be a  magical medieval day of fun for the whole family!

This is on the southern edge of the area this blog normally covers, but it's worth a trip out if your children can handle the journey, and if they like castles, or Mike the Knight... or both.  The normal admission fee for Warwick Castle applies.

Warwick Castle website
Warwick Castle location

Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU

Ipstones Fire Station Open Day

Ipstones Fire Station Open Day
Ipstones Fire Station Location
Ipstones Fire Station, Froghall Road, Ipstones, ST10 2NA

Saturday 7 September 12:30 - 5:00

Another fire station open day!  It seems as if they're like buses; you wait ages for one, then two or three come along at once.  If this one is closer to you than Macclesfield Fire Station (with its open day on the same day), then it'll be worth a look.  There are all the usual fire station attractions - the fire engines; rescue demonstrations and so on- with the added drama of an animal rescue (a horse) from a trailer.  There are two road races, at 2:45 and 3:30, so watch out if you're in the local area.

Stoke Steam Special, Apedale Railway

Stoke Steam Special, Apedale Valley Light Railway
Apedale Valley Railway location - near Chesterton
14-15 September

Apedale Valley Light Railway runs steam trains most weekends, but on 14-15 September they're running some special trains.  There will be steam and diesel trains, model railway layouts, vintage vehicles (cars, I'm assuming) and various other things.

It's £6 for adults, £3 for children 5-15 and under 5s are free.  There are unlimited train rides once you have your ticket, so if the weather's good, or your children really enjoy trains, this could be a good day out.  The brochure for the day is downloadable from the AVLR website, or you can use this direct link to the Steam Special Brochure.

I've been before, and there's plenty to see, less to do.  There's a small museum showing the history of mining in the area, and a small cafe, which overlooks the station (so it doubles as a waiting room).  The train ride is good, about 10-15 minutes if I recall correctly - out and back along a straight line, and with the variety of trains, should be even better!

Macclesfield Fire Station Open Day

Macclesfield Fire Station Open Day
Sunday 8 September, 10:30 - 4:00
Macclesfield Fire Station location

Cheshire Fire and Rescue continue their series of open days with Macclesfield; later in the season than Staffordshire (for which we are all very thankful).  This may be slightly further north than our usual readers would travel, but Macclesfield town centre is also worth a look around for the shops, and if the weather's good, Macclesfield park is also very pleasant (and has lots of swings, slides, etc).

The website doesn't give many details, but if it's like the Congleton open day, it should be good, especially if you have a Fireman Sam in your family!

Everything's Rosie Character Appearance, Potteries Shopping Centre

Rosie Character Appearance
Potteries Shopping Centre (intu Potteries)
Sunday 29 September

"Rosie" (from the CBeebies series "Everything's Rosie") will be appearing at intu Potteries (the new name for the Potteries Shopping Centre) on Sunday 29 September, and meeting and greeting younger visitors.  She will be making personal appearances at 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

The booking page to meet Rosie will be live from Sunday 15th September on the intu Potteries website (link above). You will need to book a FREE slot in order to meet Rosie. You will need to take your booking email along with you on the day, and don't forget your camera.

A word of warning:  we recently attended one of these with Titan the Robot, and the queues were extremely long.  The queue started outside River Island and went past the adjacent store and out along the exit corridor; we had to queue for around 35-40 minutes (arriving 15 minutes early, and then having to wait in the queue).  You can get good views and decent photos just by loitering around that area when Rosie makes her appearance.  If, on the other hand, your children are massive Rosie fans, and will wait patiently, (or you have somebody who will queue for you while you take the children around the shopping centre to keep them entertained) then it's worth the wait to get a better photo with Rosie.

Toy Fair, Fenton Community Hall

Toy Train and Model Collectors Fair 
Fenton Community Hall
Saturday 21 September (and 30 November)
10.30am to 2.00pm

£1 admission, free parking, with refreshments available.

An opportunity for enthusiasts of new and used model railways (almost all sizes, scales and gauges are catered for) as well as die cast model cars, trucks, buses to get together and buy, sell or trade.  It depends if your children are interested in model vehicles - and many of those on sale can tend to be quite expensive, but if you or your children are interested in collecting, or like the idea of a search through the various stands and stalls, you might enjoy this.  £1 admission is comparatively cheap, and you'll probably while away an hour or so going through the various stalls (depending on your children's attention span and how many stalls they get - usually well attended), then the rest of the day (or weekend) playing with your new acquisitions!

Tel Tony Oakes for information on 01270 652773 or 07825 631323

Lunar Eclipse, 18-19 October

Lunar Eclipse visible in Stoke on Trent (and the rest of the UK)
18 October 10:53 PM start
19 October 12:50 AM maximum darkening
19 October 2:48 AM ends
All times are UK times.

This is about as far as you can get from a Day out With Daddy... a night in with Daddy instead.  There's going to be a lunar eclipse (the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow and appears darker) on 18-19 October.  You'll have to stay up (or get up) late to see the largest part of the eclipse.

It's a good opportunity to talk about eclipses (if your children are old enough to understand) or otherwise make up stories about it...

Stoke 10k Run

Stoke 10k Run
Sunday 29 September
Start and end at Hanley Park (ST1 4DX)
Start Sunday 9:00 am

You might want to watch this, alternatively you might want to avoid it as it is likely to cause traffic congestion!  The route goes in a large figure-of-eight, down to Fenton in the south, and up to the city centre in the north, before looping back to Hanley Park.  The run is likely to take the faster runners about 40 minutes, the slower runners could take double that length of time.  If you're on the route, you could always spectate and cheer!

"Odeon Kids" - every weekend at 11:00

At 11:00 every Saturday and Sunday morning, Odeon cinemas screen "ODEON Kids" films at selected cinemas (Stoke is included).

Chosen especially for the little ones, all ODEON Kids tickets are only £2.50*.  They also run ODEON Kids every day throughout most school holidays – please check your cinema listings for more information. Here's the link to the Odeon website - but please be aware, I found it very difficult to get any useful details out of it.  For more details, I'd suggest ringing them.  The Odeon Stoke (Festival Park) telephone number is (01782) 215805.

*Prices at the cinema are £2.50 except at: Weston Super Mare (£2), Dundee, Bristol and Belfast (£1.50), Worcester and Dorchester (£1), Dunfermline and Muswell Hill (£3). For tickets booked online, by phone, through the app, or on the mobile site a Remote Booking Fee of 50p applies to every ticket.

ODEON Kids line-up (subject to change)

September
7th Sep - 8th Sep - Despicable Me 2
14th Sep - 15th Sep - Despicable Me 2
21st Sep - 22nd Sep - Epic
28th Sep - 29th Sep - Monsters University

October
5th Oct - 6th Oct - Smurfs 2
12th Oct - 13th Oct - Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
19th Oct - 20th Oct - Planes
25th Oct - 31st Oct - Despicable Me 2  (half term holiday)

November
1st Nov - 3rd Nov - Monsters University
9th Nov - 10th Nov - The Croods

Congleton Fire Station Open Day

Congleton Fire Station Open Day
West Street, Congleton
31 August, 11:00 - 4:00 pm


Congleton Fire Station have their open day - a little late in the season, but very welcome.  The other fire stations in Cheshire are also having their open days over the next few weeks - the list is here.

There are a number of displays and activities:  Fire Appliances on display (always good!); line Rescue display; Cheshire Search & Rescue Team; Cheshire Police Pimped Panda & THINK Car (even better!);     Chip Pan Display - scary but well worth watching; Hydraulic Platform; face painting and bouncy castle.

Congleton is about 25-30 minutes drive from Stoke, but if you've nothing else planned, well worth it!

Time Table of events

All day children's arts and crafts

11:30 Chip Pan Demonstration
12:00 Fire Cadet Demonstration
13:00 Chip Pan Demonstration
14:00 RTC Demonstration
15:00 Height Safety Demonstration
15:30 Chip Pan Demonstration
16:00 Close

Foxfield Railway - European Car Rally

Foxfield Railway Car Rally

Foxfield Railway, Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, ST11 9BG

Sunday 8 September, but no opening times given

If the Stoke City motor show is a bit modern for you and your family, this may suit you better.

Foxfield Railway, Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, ST11 9BG - See more at: http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/findus.php#sthash.XJSEgCCJ.dpuf

The preview of last year's car rally shows that entry was free, but that may be because it was part of the Heritage Open Days.  I can't find admission prices anywhere, and they may just charge if you want to go on a train ride.  Mostly European cars - likely to be less busy than the Stoke City show, and a bit further from Stoke.  You're also likely (if not certain) to see some steam trains, which you won't get at the Britannia Stadium.

Burslem Park Open Day

Burslem Park Open Day (part of the Heritage Open Days series)

Saturday 14 September, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Burslem Park underwent some serious renovation and repair, including work to the bandstand, which was completed in May 2012.  This is a celebration of the completed and settled improvements, with various activities (and lots of open space and a park for the children to play in).  There's lots of art, greenery, sports and play facilities to enjoy, including: our restored Victorian terrace garden and ornamental fountains; restored buildings and terracotta period detail 'Pulhamite' rockery - a Victorian 'must have' feature.

There's also a decorative lake and fountain to walk around, a rockery cascade; an heritage mosaic designed by artist Rob Turner especially for the park, and a new 'Mayfly' sculpture by artists Andy Edwards and Philip Hardaker, featuring ceramic details by students from three local schools.

Most importantly, though, in addition to the playing areas, are children's craft activities.

Free entry.

Fireworks at Trentham Gardens

Fireworks at Trentham Gardens

Friday 1 November, 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

I'm fairly sure that this will be a tickets-only display.  I'm also fairly sure that the fireworks will be massive, and probably viewable from the car park, or the pub round the corner.  I'll add more fireworks displays when I find them, but this is likely to be a big display.

If you want to pay to go in, then the bonus is that children under 5 are free.

Adult / Concession / Child (5-15 years)     £6.50     £8.00 on the day

Annual Ticket Holder*
Adult / Concession / Child (5-15 years)     £5.50     £8.00 on the day

Rotary Member (and family)*
Adult / Concession / Child (5-15 years)     £5.50     £8.00 on the day

Cycling Tour Of Britain

Cycling Tour of Britain
Hanley City Centre
Wednesday 18 September, 10:00 start (lots to see beforehand)

Tour of Britain website - Stage 4 - Stoke to Llanberis

The cycling Tour of Britain will be starting one of its stages from Stoke-on-Trent again this year; last year it set off from Trentham Gardens, this year it'll be from Hanley city centre.  The best map of the route that I've seen is here: Tour route around Stoke.

There are plenty of things to see at the start - the whole vehicle and police motorbike convoy, for example, and there often freebies to pick up - hats, stickers, flags and so on.  Be warned, though - when the cycling starts, it'll be a case of blink and you'll miss it.

Full details of the route here:  Stoke Council Website

Etruria Mill in Steam

Mill 'in steam' - Heritage Open Day

14-15 September, 1:00pm - 4:30 pm
Etruria Industrial Museum
Lower Bedford Street, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7AF

Come along and see Jesse Shirley's Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill in action powered by the mighty 1820s Steam Powered Beam Engine 'Princess'. Experience the sights and sounds of Victorian engineering in the heart of the Potteries. There are "steamings" every hour on the hour, where they connect the furnace to the engine and make it run. Noisy, and interesting, for young people and older people too.

Located next to the canal (which makes for a pleasant walk) so you'll see plenty of barges moving along.  There's a good visitor centre, which often has child-friendly activities - colouring, craft and so on.

Other events take place during the weekends and through the year. See www.friendsofetruriamuseum.org.uk for more details.

Lancaster Flypast, Potteries Musem and Art Gallery

Lancaster Flypast, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

Saturday 14 September, 3:30 pm

Watch a flypast by the Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and take a look at the city's Spitfire housed within the museum.

There will also be a collection of World War 2 military vehicles from North Staffordshire Military Vehicle Trust and a range of models from local modelling clubs. The event will also include 1940's singing and craft activities. Part of the "Heritage Open Days" series.

Free to attend; I went to one in 2012 which featured a Spitfire flypast - highly recommended.  The Spitfire completely two flypasts over the museum before departing.

Bethesda Street, City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 3DW
 

Lower Drayton Farm Transport Fayre

Lower Drayton Farm Transport Fayre
7-8 September, 9:00 am - 11:30 pm
Lower Drayton Farm, near Penkridge (near Stafford)

Organiser website
Event website

Although this is mostly a transport show featuring hundreds of classic, vintage, modern and modified cars, there's quite a wide range of vehicles, as well as other activities.

There will be commercial vehicles; motorbikes; military vehicles; fire engines, steam engines and much more.
Other entertainment includes a funfair, bouncing castles, tractor pulling, firework display, evening entertainment, licensed beer tent, trade stalls, autojumble, arena events, and aero engines displays.

ALSO worth mentioning is an appearance by the 501st UK Garrison, who do Star Wars characters such as Stormtroopers and Darth Vader... I'm  not sure what will be there, and I can't get any details, but they will be attending on both days.

There's some confusion over the pricing for children; one site says £2.50 and another says children under 12 are free - I'm sorry I can't confirm either way.

Stoke City FC Big Motor Show

Big Motor Show at Britannia Stadium

Saturday and Sunday 7-8 September – 10-4

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat in September when the Britannia Stadium Big Motor Show takes place for the first time.  There will be car dealers from across the region will be heading to the home of Stoke City for the free event on September 7 and 8 that promises to be fun for all the family.  There should be freebies (stickers, leaflets, badges... all the usual stuff).  Staffordshire police will also be attending, so that should mean a police car or two to look at.

As well as new and used cars, caravans and motorcycles will also be on display. There will also be a fun fair, live entertainment, Carlsberg beer tent, food court and demonstration areas for visitors to get behind the wheel and take a test drive - perhaps not ideal for younger family members :-)

The Britannia Stadium is easily accessible from the A500 and A50.  The show is on Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 - 4:00.  Free entry and parking (for 1,000 cars).

National Space Centre: Return of the Garrison

National Space Centre: Return of the Garrison

21-22 September 10:00-5:00

This is great for Star Wars and sci-fi fans, with large numbers of stormtroopers walking around and entertaining the crowds.  The UK division of the 501st Garrison is a Star Wars costuming group (club?) who produce some great Star Wars costumes, and have always produced a great turn-out at the Leicester Space Centre.

This event isn't free, and isn't really local to Stoke-on-Trent, but I'm including it because it's a great day's entertainment.  You get access to the Space Centre, which has a planetarium and a show; a cafe, shop, and a small play area for younger children.  Previously, there have been outdoor picnic tables, but I think the centre took these away when they realised that people could enjoy the characters and costumes without going in (and paying).  However, the cafe is well-priced, or you can take a packed lunch (or do a combination of the two).