COP Festival 2026 brings communities together at King’s Hall to celebrate a happier, healthier, greener future

The Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent COP Festival returned for its third year this March, bringing together people from across the area for a day of discussion, discovery and engagement.

Those attending included community groups, charities, local authorities, purpose-driven organisations and more than 60 school students, creating a diverse mix of ages, sectors and perspectives.

Around 30 activity stalls featured across the day, alongside a range of interactive experiences and attractions. Visitors were able to meet Rentabeast and explore millipedes and other insects up close, while Staffordshire Community Energy showcased its Energy Efficient House Demo. Other features included a stiltwalker, mascots, seed-planting and a range of creative, hands-on activities.

The Festival also gave people the chance to speak directly with organisations, discover local projects and take part in discussion circles focused on shared challenges and opportunities linked to nature, food, energy and circular economy.

Garry Jones, Chief Executive of Support Staffordshire, said: “We’ve been delighted by the response to this year’s COP Festival, which brought together a wide range of people and organisations in a way that felt positive, practical and full of possibility.

“Having now hosted the Festival in Stoke-on-Trent, and previously in Lichfield at Lichfield Cathedral, we are looking forward to taking it to another district in future so that we can reach even more communities, schools and purpose-driven organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

He added: “It was especially encouraging to see such a positive response from the schools who attended. That has really helped strengthen our thinking about how young people can play an even bigger part in the Festival as it continues to develop.”

The organisers have thanked headline sponsor Stoke-on-Trent City Council, including for supporting the event through the use of King’s Hall, alongside headline sponsors Cosy and Woolcool, and support sponsors Brown Recycling and Zephi, whose backing helped make the Festival possible and free for all to attend.

The Festival was also pleased to welcome Mrs Hifsa Haroon-Iqbal, Deputy Lieutenant, who took time to visit the event and engage with the many activity stalls and organisations taking part.

If you would like to continue engaging with the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent COP between Festivals, this can now be done through the Staffordshire Green Network, which is hosting a range of Green Conversations throughout the year. To find out more, visit StaffordshireCOP.com.