🧢 ‘An unprecedented event’
Alstom, the UK’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, will be opening its historic Derby factory to the public for the first time, between 1 and 3 August in 2025, to host an unprecedented event in celebration of Railway 200. The Greatest Gathering will see the largest temporary assembly of rolling stock and railway-related exhibits in a generation, all coming together for three fun-filled days across the vast estate of Derby Litchurch Lane Works. Alongside displays of historic and modern, mainline locomotives, Britain’s biggest rail celebration will also feature rides along Derby’s test track, a variety of miniature trains in operation and layouts staged by some of the biggest names in model railways.
🧢 Keeping the wheel spinning
Stoke-on-Trent is once again being featured on prime-time television, on Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throw Down. Gladstone Pottery Museum, typical of those once common throughout The Potteries - from the time of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, to the mid 20th century - provides the backdrop for the show, which goes in search for Britain's best amateur potter. The show itself follows 12 budding potters, as they strive for perfection in three ceramic challenges each week - all judged by the resident experts., and occasional guests. There will be 10 episodes in the series, with a new episode airing every Sunday. This year’s series has even greater significance for Stoke-on-Trent, as 2025 also marks the centenary of its city status. Major celebrations are planned, with a rapidly expanding programme of events now in the planning for “a year-long festival of arts, culture and fun”.
🧢 This week’s ‘Top Pick’ @WeightmanPR: the Festival of Brotherhoods
Launched in 2004, the gastronomic Festival of Brotherhoods in the Ardennes has become one of the most popular events in the region. It was awarded the Ardennes tourism prize in 2014 and achieved “Excellence” status from the European Council of Oenogastronomic Brotherhoods in 2016. Every year, during the first weekend of May, it brings together around fifty French and Belgian Brotherhoods on the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. With completely free admission, the event helps to convey what makes this regions has to offer its visitors in magnificent setting. Each year, a French or Belgian brotherhood is designated as the guest brotherhood of honour. It organizes an exceptional chapter in front of the public during which personalities and members of other brotherhoods are inducted. This year’s event is scheduled for the weekend of 3 and 4 May.
🧢 TOASTED, jam-packed, and free
Calling all pottery enthusiasts. TOASTED Ceramic Fair is back for another year, In Derby Museum and Art Gallery, over the weekend of 29 and 30 March. TOASTED boasts 37 potters from Scotland to Brighton and everywhere in-between. With free entry all day long and a jam-packed programme of demonstrations, bookable workshops and free potters talks, this is a must visit event for anyone with an interest in ceramics. A pottery tombola will support Derby Museums and Cromartie, who will be selling a wide range of kilns, clays and glazes and pottery wheels on the day.