Calling lovers of literature, culture and history – have we got a competition for you!

For the second year running, Stafford Festival Shakespeare is joining forces with The Festival in a Factory to promote the region’s cultural appeal.


What is this festival?  Held in Stoke-on-Trent, The Festival in a Factory is a celebration of culture and creativity, featuring award-winning authors, experts, artists, and entertainers. 


The festival runs from 7th – 9th June in the inspiring surroundings of the Emma Bridgewater Factory - a Victorian pot bank where Emma has manufactured her iconic handmade pottery for more than 20 years.


On the bill this year, two highlights which will be of particular interest to supporters of Stafford Festival Shakespeare are…

“The Last Royal Rebel – James Duke of Monmouth Friday 8th June 11am

The tumultuous life of James, Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of Charles II, is the subject of this fascinating talk from historian, broadcaster and director of The Landmark Trust, Anna Keay. Born in exile and abducted from his mother on his father’s orders, Monmouth emerged from a childhood in the backstreets of Rotterdam to command the ballrooms of Paris, the brothels of Covent Garden and the battlefields of Flanders. Anna explores his glamorous life and tragic death and will reveal the important part Cheshire and Staffordshire played in his remarkable story.

Tudor Houses of Power – Friday 8th June 12.30pm

Leading architectural historian, former director of the Museum of London and former Chief Executive of English Heritage and curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Simon Thurley is our expert guide on a fascinating exploration of the most significant houses of Tudor England. Drawing on thirty years of research, Simon tells for the first time the story of the Tudor monarchs through what they built and where they lived as a way of understanding the complex machinations of the Tudor court.







For your chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to the event simply post your answer to the following question in the comments section below:


Which Tudor monarch was in power when Shakespeare was born?


Entries close at 12pm on Wednesday 30th May. Full T&Cs apply. For more information contact gatehouse@freedom-leisure.co.uk


For the full The Festival in a Factory 2018 programme visit: https://festivalinafactory.co.uk/