Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Hustlers of Culture, has announced the return of Art Jam, bringing a full day of live creativity, music and family-friendly entertainment to Hanley on Saturday 8 August.

Following the success of its debut event, Art Jam will once again transform the former bus station site on Birch Terrace into a vibrant open-air gallery, with artists from Staffordshire and across the UK creating large-scale artworks live throughout the day.

The event has been made possible thanks to Stoke-on-Trent City Council granting the BID permission to use the hoarding surrounding the former bus station site, creating a unique canvas for one of the city's most colourful creative events.

Visitors are invited to watch original artworks take shape in real time as artists showcase their talents throughout the day. More than 40 artists took part in the inaugural Art Jam, each working from their own designated space. This year's artists have once again been curated by Rob Fenton of Hustlers of Culture, co-producer of the award-winning 100 Years, 100 Faces mural unveiled in Hanley in 2025.

Alongside the live painting, the event will feature DJs, skateboarding demonstrations from Unit1 Park Works, family-friendly activities and a variety of street food vendors, creating a lively festival atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.

Richard Buxton, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said: "Following the fantastic response to Art Jam last year, we're delighted to be bringing it back for 2026. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible creative talent we have both locally and nationally, while encouraging more people to visit the city centre and experience something different.

"We're grateful to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for once again allowing us to use the former bus station site, and we're proud to continue working with Rob Fenton and Hustlers of Culture, whose passion for championing creativity continues to inspire people across the city."

Rob Fenton, of Hustlers of Culture, added: "Art Jam is about making art accessible, bringing communities together and celebrating creativity in a public space. Following the incredible response to the 100 Years, 100 Faces mural in Hanley, it's clear there's a real appetite for colour, creativity and cultural events that everyone can enjoy."

Art Jam is free to attend and takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 8 August at the former bus station site on Birch Terrace in Hanley.