Potteries Poltergeists Window Trail Brings Local Folklore to Life in Hanley

Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) has today unveiled the very first completed window as part of its brand new Halloween trail, Potteries Poltergeists. Taking place across Hanley’s Cultural Quarter from 26 – 31 October 2026, the trail is set to invite families to explore the city centre and uncover a collection of mysterious characters inspired by local history and Potteries folklore.

With illustrations by local award-winning artist Chloe Breeze, the trail brings a distinct ‘Stokie’ twist to the Halloween season, whilst giving the chance for families to win big city centre prizes. Families are invited to follow the trail, seek out the characters hidden across 7 windows in the Cultural Quarter and correctly answer their puzzles for the chance to win one of five prizes worth up to £100 to spend at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Businesses.*

The first character unveiled – ‘Stokie’ the Kiln Stoker – can be found at Drop City Books, of 74-47 Piccadilly, which is also the location where trail participants collect and submit their completed trail guides. Drop City Books joins the following participating businesses, each with their own unique character on display:

Two Doors Down
Vision Personalised Gifts
Aynsley Insurance
Vellichor Books
Goodchilds Estate Agents
Bottlecraft

Sarah Thomas-Gordon, Marketing Manager at Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID said:
“We want to give families another reason to get out and explore the city centre this half term. To do so in the form of a brand new window trail brings together everything we love about the city centre: our heritage, creativity, independent businesses and a healthy dose of Halloween mischief.”

The trail is free for families to take part in From Monday 26 – Saturday 31 October 2026 and joins the stacked line up of Halloween celebrations in Hanley.

On Saturday 31 October city centre is set to get spooktacular once again this Halloween as a day of family-friendly entertainment, live performances, street theatre and artisanal shopping returns. Circus in a Box and B-Arts deliver a packed programme of performance and playful roaming entertainment, along with carnival style games, workshops and crafting opportunities around the Blue Clock and The Cultural Quarter. The Potteries Artisan Market will take its usual spot outside The Potteries Centre with a series of stalls specialising in bakes and artisanal makes.

*Terms and Conditions regarding Potteries Poltergeists and more information about Halloween in the city centre can be found here: Big Halloween Street Party — Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID