This March, communities, organisations and local leaders from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will come together once again for the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Celebration of the Possible (COP) Festival 2026 – a free, interactive day focused on practical climate action, collaboration and positive local solutions.
📍 Where: King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent
📅 When: 12 March 2026, 10am – 3pm
The Festival will bring together charities, community groups, schools, public sector teams and businesses to showcase real-world projects that are already making a difference locally, from community energy and greener food systems to nature recovery and circular economy initiatives. Expect hands-on activities, demonstrations, informal networking and participant-led workshops designed to spark ideas and new partnerships.
A civic partnership for a greener future
We’re especially grateful to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for supporting the Festival through in-kind sponsorship of King’s Hall. Their backing helps keep the event free and accessible, and reflects their wider ambition to create a sustainable, thriving city where everyone can benefit from a greener future.
Cllr Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“The ambitions of the COP Festival 2026 perfectly align with our goal to create a sustainable, thriving city, where everyone can enjoy the benefits of a greener future. We hope people will feel inspired to take action and get involved in the many initiatives that are ongoing to improve our environment.”
The Council signed the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent COP Charter in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to empowering communities and building a green and sustainable future for the city. It is committed to the Government’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2050 and proactively considers nature and sustainability across its decision-making.
Turning ambition in to action
The Council’s support is not just symbolic. Across the city, practical action is already underway.
In recent years, the Council has successfully reduced its own energy use and carbon emissions. It is also in the early stages of developing a District Heat Network for the city, an important step towards decarbonising heat at scale.
Alongside this, it has recently launched a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan to boost active travel, and is currently running two volunteer schemes to encourage residents to get involved in nature conservation.
These initiatives closely reflect the Festival’s four core themes: Energy, Food & Growing, Nature and Circular Economy
What to expect on the day
The morning will focus on exploration and connection, with stands, showcases and informal conversations highlighting local projects and support available across the region.
In the afternoon, we’ll move into a participatory, unconference-style format. Conversations will be shaped by questions submitted by attendees, guided by the four broad themes above.
Whether you’re already leading projects or just starting your journey, there will be something to learn, share or get involved in.
Join us
The COP Festival is about celebrating what’s already happening across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and unlocking what’s possible when we work together.
Register for your free ticket > staffordshirecop.com
