Capital&Centric to bring festival vibes to Stoke-on-Trent with free family street party

The team behind Stoke-on-Trent’s Goods Yard neighbourhood are throwing a massive free street party for local residents, promising fun for all the family.

Social impact developers Capital&Centric are putting on ‘Goods Yard Fest’ – which will see Glebe Street closed on Sunday 9 April for a one-day street festival to coincide with the long weekend.

Free for anyone to attend, visitors can witness a set list of live music acts alongside DJ sets, street artists and performers 12pm to 6pm.

It’s set to bring the festival vibe to the area surrounding the Goods Yard – the £60m neighbourhood currently under construction and backed by Levelling Up funding. There’ll also be food stalls, a bar and a few extra surprises for party-goers spending the afternoon there.

Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said:

“When it’s done, Goods Yard will be a really lively neighbourhood with loads going on, whether that’s pop-up artist events and live music in the gardens; foodie meet-ups in the below ground warehouse; or community nights in the Signal Box bar and café. 

“We wanted to fast-track some of that vision and give people a taste of what they can expect – bringing the Stoke-on-Trent communities together for a street party and fostering that eclectic, celebratory atmosphere.

“We want people to take an interest in the changing face of the town centre and to come and have a good time with friends and family when they do. We’re properly looking forward to it and hope residents head down to see us.”

It comes hot on the heels of Capital&Centric opening the former Goods Yard Signal Box for a one-off pop-up mini cinema. Film-lovers stepped inside the Glebe Street building for a duo of charity film nights earlier this month.

The developers have become known for their design-led approach to creating communities - with cultural and community events part and parcel of their approach to getting local residents involved.

Tickets aren’t required for the 9 April street party, with entry on a first-come-first served basis.  

Cllr Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“Goods Yard is set to become a fabulous destination to enjoy, live and work at this key location between Stoke-on-Trent train station and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

“It’s important that we celebrate positive change and involve people in new developments as they take shape as well as explore the local opportunities and benefits such investment can bring.

“Capital&Centric is the ideal developer to bring fresh ideas and creative events that help build excitement and give a taste of the Goods Yard vibe to come. This event is for families to enjoy over the holiday weekend and to celebrate this great city and its distinctive places old and new.”

Work to deliver the Goods Yard is progressing well. Once complete, Goods Yard will be packed with 174 new design-led homes for rent; edgy work spaces; indie bars, cafes and shops; and stacks of green outdoor space open to the public.

It’s one of several projects the team are currently working on, having delivered standout projects in towns and cities including Manchester and Liverpool in the past. Co-founders Adam Higgins and Tim Heatley are soon to star in a new Channel 4 interior design series, the Big Interiors Battle, that will see budding designers competing to win their own home.

For more info about Goods Yard Fest, head over to the Capital&Centric website: https://link.capitalandcentric.com/GYFEST