Staffordshire Day: Thousands expected to descend on county for celebrations

A wide variety of activities are on offer for all the family at the annual event which was established in 2015.

A public poll decided the official date should be today because it marks the creation of the world-famous Wedgwood pottery company back in 1759 which was established by Staffordshire's most famous son, Josiah Wedgwood.

Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council and Deputy Chair of Enjoy Staffordshire said: "It really is a wonderful opportunity to shout about our great county.

“And brand new for this year, we will be celebrating the delights of the Staffordshire oatcake, with a series of oatcake mornings being held on the day. Meanwhile, local actors will be retelling the stories of some of our most historic heroes in a series of short videos being released on social media.”

Here are the top 10 attractions:

• World of Wedgwood is the home of pottery in the county and celebrates the very best of British industrial and design heritage. Visitors can watch artisan craftsmen at work in the Wedgwood Factory and discover how clay turns into a beautiful piece of Wedgwood. They can also explore one of the finest ceramics collections in the world with a visit to the award-winning Wedgwood Museum, displaying more than 3000 artefacts dating back to 1759 when Josiah Wedgwood founded the company.

• Trentham Monkey Forest - perfect for young families, take your own cheeky monkeys to meet their match in 60 acres of ancient Staffordshire woodland. The unique attraction is home to 140 free roaming monkeys and is as close to seeing these animals in their natural habitat as you’ll get, with no cages or bars to hinder views.

• Pascal at The Old Vicarage provides a fine dining experience that's perfect for special occasions. A previous winner of Staffordshire Restaurant of the Year, the family-owned restaurant has been commended for using only the freshest ingredients and predominantly local produce.

• The Crown Inn, Wrinehill is situated on the county's border, but is worth the journey. Set in the picturesque village of Wrinehill the award-winning freehouse promises a warm welcome, legendary home cooked food and in the cooler months a roaring fire. The traditional English pub is also the public house in the county to have been awarded the Beautiful Beer – Platinum Award by the Campaign for Real Ale.

• Peak District National Park: with some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, the Staffordshire Peak District has everything from rocky outcrops to rolling hills and luscious valleys.

• Drayton Manor Park is the ultimate day out for all ages. Offering something for all tastes, it has everything from roller coasters to a zoo and Thomas Land. Whether you’re after a fun filled family ride or seeking adrenaline-pumping fun, you'll find it here.

• Alton Towers is England's largest theme park and offers 500 acres of attractions and rides. It really is one of Britain's best-loved attractions. Just like Drayton Manor, the facility offers something for everyone so you'll struggle to stay bored for too long!

• The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's all-year-round centre of remembrance. With 150 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens to explore and over 300 unique memorials to see, you're sure to be fascinated by our many memorials and the amazing stories and symbolism behind them.

• Tamworth castle: Step back in time and experience life in a Medieval Castle. Explore Tudor and Stuart chambers, grand Victorian reception rooms and the magnificent late Medieval Great Hall. Tamworth Castle promises a brilliant day out for all the family. There is plenty to see and even more to do with hands on displays and costumes.

• Gladstone Pottery Museum is the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal burning ovens made the world's finest bone China. Traditional skills, original workshops, and the cobbled yard and huge bottle ovens transport visitors back in time.