Things happening in Stoke this weekend: Independent film screenings, music festival, fundraiser football game, and other activities

There’s an array of exciting events happening around Stoke-on-Trent this weekend. This weekend’s list of activities in Stoke-on-Trent is sponsored by SIXTOWNS Distillery and Bar, Rupeyal Takeaway, and Little Seeds. Planning an event? Include it on our What’s On page today.

Northern Soul: Still Burning | Stoke Film Theatre | Hartshill Rd | Fri 22 – Sat 23 May
Stoke-on-Trent’s independent cinema, Stoke Film Theatre, will be showcasing Northern Soul: Still Burning on Friday, 22nd, and Saturday, 23rd of May at 7:45 pm. The cinema is situated at The Wade Centre on Hartshill Road.
The cinema described the movie as a chronicle of how Northern Soul music has transformed and reinvented itself culturally and musically over the years. It has remained vibrant, robust, and relevant since its inception. The film features discussions with prominent figures such as Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Elaine Constantine, Russ Winstanley, and Dave Evison.
Tickets can be purchased online at £9.16 per adult ticket (inclusive of booking fees).

Burslem Urban Rock Festival | Burslem | Sat 23 May
IFK Legacy CIC, the organization responsible for the Lemmy statue, is hosting the Burslem Urban Rock Festival at Market Place, also known as Lemmy Plaza, on the 23rd of May. The headline act for the festival is Motörheadache, a tribute band endorsed by Motörhead Official. They will be joined on stage by Lucas Fox, the original drummer and founding member of Motörhead. IFK Legacy’s Director, Andy Edwards, mentioned that the statue acts as a tangible homage to Lemmy, but the project’s aim is to foster and encourage new musicians inspired by Lemmy.
The event poster, devised by Krusher Joule, displays the festival lineup.

Headspace FC CIC Match | Bet365 | Sun 24 May
Headspace FC CIC, founded by brothers Kenny Bartonshaw and Cliff Barton in 2024, has organized a football match on the 24th of May to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The proceeds from ticket sales (priced at £4 for adults and free for children) and the prize draw will be shared among Headspace FC, Man Time, and Mind North Staffs. Kenny mentioned that the funds raised will help maintain their existing programs. Kenny emphasized that everything they do is purely voluntary and funded independently.

Lymelight Festival | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Sat 23 and Sun 24 May
The Lymelight Festival is set to run from noon until 9:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday, the 23rd and 24th of May. The event will feature three outdoor stages: the Guildhall Stage, the Ironmarket Stage, and the High Street Stage. There will be musical performances, stalls, food vendors, and children’s activities to cater to a diverse audience.