New caterers and jobs for Hanley Park

We are thrilled to announce Caterleisure Group as our new caterers in Hanley Park.

The company will run the facilities and invest in the fit-out of the recently-restored main pavilion located in the terrace garden, boathouse and north pavilion next to the play area.

Main pavilion - due to open in October as an all-year round café and function venue with space for 80 indoor and 50 outdoor seats, serving freshly-prepared meals, grab-and-go snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks.

‪The Boathouse - due to open in autumn to hire for meetings and events with seasonal public opening, a great place for a spot of afternoon tea overlooking the lake.

‪Children’s play area - an ice cream and snack kiosk in the former Northern Bowls Pavilion, due to open in 2020, selling a range of classic ice cream flavours, as well as confectionery and hot and cold snacks.

Around 20 jobs are expected to be created. Anyone interested in job opportunities in the park with Caterleisure Group can complete an online application form at the Caterleisure website. 

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has provided £4.5 million towards the restoration of the park.

Restoration update

We kicked off our Live And Local outdoor music programme in the bandstand at the start of the summer holidays with Last Orders acoustic trio and the North Staffs Accordion Band.

The bandstand and terrace garden is now open to the public and the transformation is amazing. The herbaceous border has benefited from all the sun and rain we have had recently and is beautiful. The border appears to be very well established; it is incredible that it was only planted this year.

We are running the Live and Local performances every Sunday until September 1.

• Sunday, August 4: Art Brazil Carnival Drummers
• Sunday, August 11: Steel for Stoke and Cheadle Community Band
• Sunday, August 18: Rode Hall Silver Band and Rebecca Sherratt
• Sunday, August 25: Goodfellas Blues Band and Hank Brothers
• Sunday, September 1: The Illusion

For more information on Live And Local events view the events listings on the Hanley Park Facebook page.

Events and activities in August

Sunday, August 4: Eid Festival, 12pm to 6pm

A free family fun day out for the whole community including donkey rides, games, funfair, inflatables, stalls and an amazing selection of food. 

Located on the events field near to the car park.

Saturday, August 3 and 31: Bike Ability Training – 1pm

A session aimed at children age seven-plus, who are already able to ride a bike, giving them the skills required to ride safely, preparing them for riding on the road. 

Children should bring their own bikes and helmets where possible.

Booking is essential call 01782 238893 and leave a message with your contact details to book a space.

Sunday, August 4, 11, 18, 25: Live And Local Hanley Park – 1.30pm and 5pm

Bring along your blankets, chairs and picnics and enjoy an afternoon of fantastic music from local artists and bands in the newly-restored bandstand.

Thursday, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: Parklives - Pop Up And Play – 1.30pm and 3pm

A free multi-sports and activity session aimed at children between five and 12 and their families including Kwik Cricket, dodgeball, football and other traditional park games. You can join us for the whole session or simply drop by and take part. Meet the Parklives Team at the sports zone in the centre of the park. For more information and to register contact Catherine Dale on 01782 238893 or go to the Parklives website.

Thursday, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: Parklives - Tots And Tones, 2pm to 3pm

A fun, gentle outdoor exercise session that parents can enjoy with their little tots. Sessions are instructor led and are designed to cater for all ability levels. Activities include a mixture of power walking and toning exercises using body weight, resistance bands and light dumbbells. Meet the Parklives Team at the sports zone in the centre of the park. For more information and to register contact Catherine Dale on 01782 238893 or go to the

Parklives website 

Tuesday, August 6: Little Library Van, 10.30pm to 4pm

The Little Library Van will be in the park located near to the play area for most of the day.

Parents and children can jump aboard and enjoy stories, rhymes and songs which help to develop children's communication, speech and language skills.

Thursday, August 15: Wildplay – Staffordshire Wildlife Trust – 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Staffordshire Wildlife trust is running free Wild Play sessions in the park for children age eight to 13. Meet in the grassy area between the playgrounds. For more information visit the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Facebook page. 

Summer holiday activities

For our Magic Monday, Wild Wednesday and Fantastic Friday children's summer holiday events this year, we've teamed up again with Stoke 100 reads. All activities include storytelling, craft activities, are free (yippee!) and run from 2pm until 4pm.

Meet at the 1960’s bowls pavilion next to the oval bowling green in the centre of the park, near the canal. Pre-booking is advised.

To book a space and for more information contact park liaison officers - Claire Studman on 07584 174465 or Kirsty Forrester on 07787 005946 or email hanleypark@stoke.gov.uk

• Friday, August 2: The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark
• Monday, August 5: Magic Monday – The Snail And The Whale
• Wednesday, August 7: Wild Wednesday – The Very Hungry  Caterpillar
• Friday, August 9: Meerkat Mail
• Monday, August 12: Magic Monday – The Magic Far Away Tree
• Wednesday, August 14: Wild Wednesday – What The Ladybird    Heard
• Friday, August 16: The Invention Of Hugo Cabret
• Monday, August 19: Magic Monday – Wild Books
• Wednesday, August 21: Wild Wednesday – Charlotte’s Web
• Friday, August 23: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
• Wednesday, August 28: Wild Wednesday – Where The Wild Things Are
• Friday, August 30: Fantastic Friday The Explorer

Saturday mornings: Hanley Park Parkrun – 9am to 10.30am

A free timed 5k run or walk around the park for all abilities.

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.