Longton has suffered badly from the recession, but just for a weekend St James Church is hoping to bring industry back to Longton in the form of a Flower Festival representing industries such as tile pottery, iron & steel making, as well as the industry surrounding canals, railways, mining and commerce.      

The church in Uttoxeter Road is celebrating 175 years of worship, from the days of the Industrial Revolution, during the weekend of June 19, 20 and 21.

During the Festival we have several events - Friday 19 we have our opening service at 11am led by the Bishop of Stafford, and including music from the Clarice Cliff Primary School Choir.

At 7.30pm there is a cheese and wine evening with a talk from local author and speaker Ron Scholes.

Saturday 20 June will see a concert at 7.30pm by the Barbara Walton Singers, and are very privileged to have the world renowned Countertenor, James Bowman as soloist.

On Sunday 21st June we have a Civic service at 10.30am, and Songs of Praise at 6.30pm, followed by distribution of flowers.

We are open from 10am to 4pm each day, there are refreshments available, and everyone will be very welcome.