Town centres to host bamboo-inspired performances

The performances are free to attend, in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme

A series of free performances inspired by bamboo are set to be staged in town centres in Staffordshire later this week.

They will include circus skills performed using bamboo poles, alongside puppetry and other activities for children.

Organised by community interest company Brilliant Bamboo they take place on Thursday and Friday, across venues in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The organisation was founded in 2023, following a series of events, to show the benefits of bamboo as a sustainable material.

"Bamboo is a remarkable material, said Gemma Thomas, director of Brilliant Bamboo.

"Through circus, theatre and hands-on creativity we want to spark ideas about how it can contribute to a more sustainable and connected future for our communities in north Staffordshire and beyond."

The live performances by NoFit State Circus will take place outdoors on Thursday and Friday

On Thursday, from 11:00 until 15:00 BST there will be activities taking place in a park off Boothen Road in Stoke, with a live performance by NoFit State Circus at 13:30.

On Friday, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will host events from 11:00 until 16:00, with performances taking place by the Vue cinema at midday and at 15:00.