Could Robbie (and the Royals) help city celebrate 100th birthday?

ASKING a member of the Royal family to visit Stoke-on-Trent, trying to persuade Robbie Williams to perform in the Potteries and staging a Spitfire fly-past are just some of the ideas being put forward to celebrate the centenary of the six towns uniting.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is planning to set up a committee to steer the celebrations in 2010 – 100 years after the towns came together in a federation.

Historian and Sentinel columnist Fred Hughes brought the centenary to the attention of the council and steps are now being taken to make sure it is celebrated in style.

Councillor Lee Wanger, from the Conservative and Independent Alliance group, told councillors at a Council Manager's Forum that the formation of a federation in 1910 was the first step in Stoke-on-Trent becoming a city, which happened in 1925.

"We can do anything. The sky's the limit," said Mr Wanger. "Every business, organisation or group in Stoke-on-Trent could contribute and benefit from the celebrations.

"We could have a whole variety of different things going on.

"There have been some small and quirky ideas such as a world record attempt at the biggest birthday cake, street parties and carnivals.

"We could light up public buildings such as Hanley Town Hall. We could design a centenary logo and put it on council notepaper.

"Let's try and put Stoke-on-Trent on the map.

"Could we tempt Robbie to come back and do a concert at Vale Park? Let's ask him.

"How about a Royal visit? We want people's ideas on how to celebrate this landmark.

"It won't happen again for another 100 years. Let's show the world Stoke-on-Trent."

Labour councillor Adrian Knapper, portfolio holder for economic development, said: "We need to celebrate the city's proud past and how we are transforming into a cosmopolitan city."

Councillor Brain Ward, deputy leader of the city independents, said: "I would like to see this as a city event, not a parochial six towns event."

Councillor Roger Ibbs, leader of the Conservative and Independent Alliance group and portfolio holder for children and young people's services, said: "We could re-enact the first council meeting in period dress. We will certainly take on the idea of working with the schools."

A steering committee is expected to be set up.

Interim council manager Chris Harman said: "There is definitely the will here, and where there is a will there is a way."

Historian Mr Hughes said: "I think this is one of the most important events in a century. I am so pleased that the councillors are supporting this. As a local historian I am looking forward to working with them as closely as possible."