Petit Fours
(24 September, 2025)
𧢠Biennial Late, with a chance to see The Queenâs Shoulders
For one night only⌠the British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent will be hosting a very special evening, when they open the doors late for an experience where history, performance and clay collide. As well as giving visitors the chance to enjoy the spectacle of the biggest ceramics showcase in the UK âafter hoursâ, BCB will also host two performance of the story of The Queenâs Shoulders - a remarkable tale of how a local woman came to feature in one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. In 1964, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for Staffordshire artist Arnold Machin, as he modelled the clay cameo for his iconic postage stamp image. However, Machin only sculpted the Queenâs head, and the Palace decided it needed something extra - shoulders! Machin asked a young Stoke-on-Trent woman, Angela, to sit for him as he modelled the monarchâs shoulders. Admission is free but, due to limited capacity, reservation is required. For further details visit: www.phoenixsingersleek.co.uk.
𧢠Derbyâs Master Chef
The Pepperpot Restaurant in Derby has announced that its Head Chef, Dan Fincher, has been officially accepted into the Master Chefs of Great Britain - a prestigious organisation celebrating the countryâs most accomplished and respected culinary professionals. Distinct from the popular TV show of a similar name, this long-established association recognises only those chefs who have reached the pinnacle of their profession through exceptional ability and commitment. Fincher now stands among an elite group of chefs that includes the esteemed John Williams MBE of The Ritz London, Darron Bunn of the iconic Gleneagles Hotel, and Galton Blackiston, Michelin-starred chef-owner of Morston Hall in Norfolk. This recognition comes shortly after another major milestone. In March 2025, just over a year after first opening, The Pepperpot (located in the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary building on London Road in Derby) was awarded an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence under Fincherâs leadership.
𧢠Collection of rare pottery goes on loan to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
A collection of nearly 300 rare items of pottery, which has not been on display for more than 35 years, is to be loaned to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery for an initial five years, as part of a planned ÂŁ5m extension. The Thornhill Collection was bequeathed in 1944 to North Staffordshire Technical College - now the University of Staffordshire - for study purposes by collector Ernest Thornhill. The collection will go on display in the Museum at Stoke-on-Trent sometime in 2026. The collection of more than 270 items contains Chinese wares, along with a small number of Korean and Japanese pieces. The items range from the simple earthenware of the Shang dynasty (1700-1028 BC) to the richly painted porcelains of the Ming (1368â1644 AD) and Qing (1644â1912 AD) dynasties.
𧢠Marking Bella Lugosiâs appearance in Derby as Count DraculaâŚ
In 1924, the iconic theatrical adaptation of Dracula made its world premiere right here in Derby. But when the curtain rose, the monstrous figure from the novel had transformed. Derbyâs Dracula was no longer a terrifying creature, but a suave and charming figure, donning evening attire and an elegant opera cloak. This depiction became the blueprint for Hollywoodâs Dracula, captivating audiences worldwide. 2026, meanwhile, will mark the 75th anniversary of Bella Lugosiâs appearance on stage in Derby in a later adaptation of the play, as well as his decision - while playing at the Hippodrome in Derby in 1951 - to withdraw from the production, and effectively retire from the role. Find all upcoming Dracula events in Derby, as well as a Dracula Trail, here.