Credit: Andrew Billington
A spectacular event inspired by Greek mythology – featuring music, giant puppets, a lantern parade and a myth-inspired fire show – is set to light up a Stoke-on-Trent park next weekend.
Urban Wilderness CIC will host its second Winter Gathering at Queen’s Park in Longton on Saturday 13th December (4-6pm).
Visitors can expect illuminated walkways, performances, a community lantern parade and a dramatic fire finale.
The lantern parade, begins at 5pm, and features contributions from Florence MacWilliams Academy, Stoke-on-Trent College, St John’s Heron Cross Cubs, North Staffordshire Young Carers and Urban Wilderness CIC.
Giant light-up puppets, crafted during a two-week masterclass with Thingumajig Theatre and local artists in summer 2025, will bring the myth of the Minotaur to life.
The puppets include depictions of a minotaur and an eagle, and are inspired by stone carvings on Longton Town Hall.
Credit: Jenny Harper
“In our retelling of this Greek myth, Ariadne befriends the Minotaur, reclaims her destiny and leads the Minotaur out of the labyrinth and into the light,” said Isla Telford, co-director of Urban Wilderness CIC.
“It’s a metaphor for holding true to what is good and right in troubled times.”
The finale at 5.45pm will feature the premiere of The Prometheans, a narrative fire show from north Staffordshire circus performers Circus in a Box.
Eve Travis and Ross Ankers will blend movement, fire tricks and storytelling as flame-wielding folk heroes in a world of legend and fable.
The event will also include performances from the Penkhull Mystery Singers at 4pm and Domesday Morris at 4.30pm.
There will be music during the parade and finale by KiLNE, a 20-strong Stoke-on-Trent marching band led by Danny Shaw.
Credit: Andrew Billington
“There has been such an incredible buzz around the creation of this event,” said Jenny Harper, fellow co-director of Urban Wilderness CIC.
“We’ve had record numbers of volunteers at our sessions and engaged with multiple new partners.
“The sense of what is possible in Longton has really shifted and it’s a joy to be a part of that.”
Ms Telford added: “The park is a gorgeous asset to the city and is well used by the local community. It’s a treat to be able to transform it at night with lights, fire, music and magic.
“We hope that families will enjoy making memories together at this free event, which is a great way to end Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year.”
Credit: Andrew Billington
The free-of-charge, family-friendly event is funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by the Queen’s Park Partnership.
Refreshments will be available in the park from Aynsley Tea Rooms, Crumbs and Goodwin’s Coffee.
Cllr Lillian Dodd, chair of Queen’s Park Partnership, said: “The Queen’s Park Partnership are pleased and excited to welcome this event in our park.
“It promises to be a really exciting event for all the family and we look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the fun.”
For more information about the event, visit: www.urbanwildernesscic.com/winter-gathering
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