'Cities are defined by the people who build and grow with them'

ON 5 June 1925, King George V stood in the grand King’s Hall in Stoke and surprised the gathered crowd with words that would shape our identity for a century to come: “The development and importance of your town and industry enable me gladly to consent to the request that the title and status of a city shall be conferred upon your county borough”.

- Martin Jones - vice-chancellor and chief executive, University of Staffordshire

The announcement was met with a thunderous cheer - a proud, collective roar that echoed across the six towns and into the future. Stoke-on-Trent, built on clay and coal, had officially become a city.

One hundred years on, and here we are, preparing to mark that moment with the very first Stoke-on-Trent Day.

On June 5, we'll celebrate a century of city status - a century of resilience and community spirit. It's a day to reflect, to look ahead, and to celebrate all that makes Stoke-on-Trent so special.

As vice-chancellor and chief executive of University of Staffordshire, I can say with pride that the importance of place is stitched into the fabric of who we are.

Our university doesn’t simply sit in the city; we grow with it, serve it, and belong to it. We're not just proud to be in Stoke-on-Trent. We're proud to be of Stoke-on-Trent.

Our students, staff, and alumni are part of a living, breathing story of place - and that story stretches far beyond our campus. From our involvement in centenary projects like the Love Stoke 100 short film series, to hosting the City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra for a special run of relaxed performances, we've made it our mission to mark this milestone with heart and purpose.