A free bus will take residents and visitors between Stoke-on-Trent’s top ceramics attractions this weekend.

The Ceramic City Bus, funded through the government UK Shared prosperity fund, will run on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November with stops at Spode Museum, World of Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and Middleport Pottery.

It comes as the city is set to welcome leading academics and industry experts for a major international conference exploring the global impact of the city’s ceramics.

Each venue on the route will host events, activities and offers across the weekend.

Spode Museum is hosting the Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ exhibition, commissioned as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations, it explores the enduring legacy of the Willow Pattern.

Emma Bridgewater is decorated for Christmas with a home cooked menu in the café including the famous omelette Arnold Bennett. Visitors can also decorate their own handmade piece of pottery in the decorating studio.

Father Christmas himself will be at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. To mark the International Ceramics Symposium they will also offer a 10 per cent discount on all ceramic items in the Foyer Shop.

Middleport Pottery will show wood-fired ceramics made by diploma students in its From Flames and Ash exhibition. It is the first time students have exhibited their Clay College work and selected pieces will be for sale in the gallery.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our world-famous ceramics legacy has been a key part of our Centenary celebrations.

“The Ceramic City Bus is a chance for people to get out across the city to explore the heritage on their doorstep and see the fantastic things this city has to offer.

“We’re a globally important ceramics city – the world capital of ceramics and a World Craft City. This is all about celebrating our heritage as well as the skills, innovation and creativity that continue to define our city’s story.”

The full Ceramic City Bus timetable can be found at visitstoke.co.uk.