Petit Fours
(21 January, 2026)
𧢠New hope for âCathedral of the Potteriesâ
Plans to restore the historic âCathedral of the Potteriesâ have been approved. The Grade II* listed Methodist chapel dates back to 1819 and since closing for active worship 40 years ago it has deteriorated badly, and the building is currently on the Heritage at Risk register. The Chapel was originally founded by wealthy industrialists and leaders of the New Connexions movement, and was the largest Methodist chapel outside London. The building, which twice hosted the Methodist Conference during the 19th century, is described as âan outstanding example of Victorian Methodist architectureâ in the planning application - and the proposed works are set to âpreserve and enhance the historical listed buildingâ. Stoke-on-Trent based Re-form Heritage transforms historic buildings at risk for the benefit of the local and wider community. Its flagship heritage building Middleport Pottery has become a blueprint for future restoration projects. Re-Form Heritage secured ÂŁ521,737 of funding from Historic England earlier this year to carry out the extensive repair works at Bethesda Chapel in Hanley.
𧢠Seventh Heaven as Derby is named âone of the best places to visit in 2026â
According to Time Out, âthese are the greatest cities, towns and streets to explore in Britain this yearâ⌠And itâs excellent news for the likes of Derby, which is in with a bullet at No. 7 - not only as a âwell-established as a base for visiting the stunning rugged hills of the Peak Districtâ, but also as âan exciting destination in its own right (with) plenty more scheduled for 2026â. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Stirling and Edinburgh in Scotland, Anglesey in Wales, Cirencester in The Cotswolds, London and Birmingham, Derby is one of only eight English destinations to feature in this yearâs list. Time Out loved ULTRA, the cityâs new 3,500 capacity warehouse club, which opened its doors on New Yearâs Eve. Wright of Derby, the subject of a major exhibition at The National Gallery, was also highlighted, alongside news of âDerby-bornâ Lara Croftâs 30th birthday on 14 February, and The Coach House boutique guesthouse.
𧢠This weekâs âTop Pickâ @WeightmanPR: The Ardennes goes âgrandâ
A new Grande RandonnĂŠe de Pays (GRP) hiking trail will be launched later this year in The French Ardennes. The Ardenne Tour, in the footsteps of Arduinna, is a 350km loop that will straddle the French and Belgian Ardennes. Taking-in the captivating landscapes of the famous Ardennes, the route has been designed so that it can be completed in fifteen stages, of around 23km per day. The trail draws its inspiration from Ardennes mythology and focuses on Arduinna, the Celtic goddess and protector of the Ardennes forest - taking hikers to discover Sedan (and its impressive fort), pretty villages such as Signy-lâAbbaye and the fortified town of Rocroi. But, really, itâs mostly about the landscape: the scale of the Ardennes forest, the scenery, the forest trails, the wildlife (including deer), the flora-fauna, and the lakes. Each stage has also been carefully planned, so it is close to suitable accommodation. The full trail will be open to visitors in late Autumn, but media preview visits, along sections of the route, are available now.
𧢠One of Stoke-on-Trentâs six towns bids to become first UK Town of Culture
Longton, one of the six towns which, together, make-up the City of Stoke-on-Trent, is bidding to be the first UK Town of Culture. Its pottery heritage, creative industry, public artworks and growing arts and music scene give the town a character you canât find anywhere else. Urban Wilderness CIC - who helped shape the Peopleâs Parade - are leading the bid with local partners, building on work already underway in Longton Exchange and across the town centre. It is hoped that the bid will attract visitors, drive investment and support culture and economy across Longton as well as the wider city.
