IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
>> SATURDAY @ THE BIG FEAST CANCELLED <<
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT >> SATURDAY @ THE BIG FEAST CANCELLED <<
We’re incredibly sorry to share that, due to the weather conditions, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel today’s Big Feast programme, with the exception of Tender Exchange at The Potteries Centre, which will still go ahead as planned.
The safety and wellbeing of our artists, audiences, volunteers and team has to come first. With the conditions we’re facing today, we’re sadly unable to deliver the festival programme safely.
We know how disappointing this will be for everyone who was planning to join us today – and we’re gutted too. An enormous amount of work, care and creativity has gone into bringing this weekend to life.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday, and to all of the artists, volunteers, partners, crew and team who have worked so hard to make The Big Feast happen.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
The countdown is on as your favourite FREE Stoke-on-Trent City Centre bank holiday weekender is set to return for 2026 big, bold and bursting with feel-good vibes. Be in Hanley Friday 28 & Saturday 29 Aug to feast on a fresh new menu of artists, activities and uplifting experiences served on the streets.
What’s on at The Big Feast 2026?
As always, we’ve worked with our community decision makers to cook up something special with a healthy serving of brand-new acts you’ve never seen before, but that we know you’ll love.
Artist announcements are coming soon. In the meantime, here’s a sprinkling of what to expect:
Exceptional spectacles in physical theatre, circus and dance
Local talent and young creatives on The Piccadilly Stage
Playful puppetry, silly stories and plenty of family fun
Strange creatures everywhere
More inclusion, more diversity, and more representation than ever before!
New for 2026 - Sensasian Zone at The Big Feast!
Sensasian is a celebration of South Asian arts and culture delivered in partnership with New Vic Theatre and with input from members of local South Asian communities.
This year Sensasian will have a dedicated area as part of its wider programme featuring fantastic artists and performances such as The Elephant and The Drummer by Sonia Sabri Company seen here.
So join us to immerse yourself in authentic music and dance, FREE henna and traditional block painting workshops, and more 11am - 5pm on Saturday 29 August at Smithfield.
Find out more about how Sensasian is made on the Sensasian project page.
Keep up to date with Big Feast news
Make sure you never miss a thing. Keep your eyes on The Big Feast 2026 homepage for announcements, FAQs and access info as they are announced.