Commemorative benches now available for dedication

This month we will be installing 16 new heritage benches into the terrace garden that have been designed especially for Hanley Park using moulds of the original bench supports.

The first sixteen benches are now available for memorial, sponsorship or commemoration at half price. Benches will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested in dedicating one of these benches, please email the park liaison team for more information and prices.

Restoration update

The work on the ornamental canal bride is now gathering pace, the boardings have been removed and the balustrades are being restored. When finished the lights on the bridge will be fully operational.

The room under the bridge was originally a place to buy tickets for the adjacent, oval bowling green as well as the park facilities. Visitors paid 1p to visit the toilets when first built.

Events and activities in May

Saturday, May 4: Stoke Fake Festival: 11.45am to 11pm

A one-day festival in the park with six of the very best fake bands in the UK. Tribute acts this year include Pink, The Killers, The Foo Fighters, Blondie, David Bowie and Green Day.

Tickets are available from the organiser's website

Sunday, May 5 and 16: Xplorer - Fun orienteering activities for children: 9.30am to 12pm

A family-friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. No experience of map reading is necessary and parents are encouraged to join in the fun.

Meet the Xplorer team on the main path between the main pavilion and bandstand.

Wednesday, May 29: Wild Wednesday - Mini Beast Safari: 2pm to 4pm

Come and join us for a fun afternoon, discovering the minibeasts we can find in our stream and in the secret garden. Meet at the 1960s bowls pavilion next to the oval bowling green in the centre of the park, near the canal.

For more information contact park liaison officers Claire Studman on 07584 174465 or Kirsty Forrester on 07787 005946.

Friday, May 31: Wildplay – Staffordshire Wildlife Trust: 1pm to 3pm

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is running free Wild Play sessions in the park. Families are encouraged to take part in activities such as den building, bug hunting, slack lining, and craft activities using matierials found in the park.

Meet in the grassy area between the playgrounds.

For more information contact Katie Shipley on 01782 826985 or 07854 532400.

Friday, May 31: Fantastic Friday – Den Building: 2pm to 4pm

We will be learning the basic skills of building a waterproof shelter, then have a go building our own dens out of natural materials and tarps. Meet at the 1960s bowls pavilion next to the oval bowling green in the centre of the park, near the canal.

For more information contact park liaison officers Claire Studman on 07584 174465 or Kirsty Forrester on 07787 005946.

Every Saturday morning: Hanley Park Parkrun: 9am

Don’t forget Hanley Park Parkrun, every Saturday morning at 9am (weather permitting)

Meet at the start near the bandstand in the centre of the park. If it is your first time, you will be required to register before you arrive.

Click here to find out more and details on how to register.