This Stoke-on-Trent town is in the spotlight as a stunning art project lights up its historic buildings!

Iconic buildings are being cast in stunning illuminated animations as part of an art project to celebrate the city's heritage and culture.

Burslem is currently playing host to Light Night which got underway on Thursday evening where where venues including the town hall, a pub, restaurant, and former Sunday school were lit up with animated projections.

Families turned out in force  last night to not only enjoy the displays but also take in art exhibitions and shows.

It represents the latest scheme to be unveiled as part of the Appetite arts programme, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and a cultural forum.

Council deputy leader Abi Brown says the project is part of continuing the legacy of the Potteries previous bid to be named UK City of Culture. While that effort may have been unsuccessful the councillor believes the momentum of the bid should be capitalised on.

She said: "The legacy from the culture bid continues and we wanted to do something at the time of year when there isn't a lot going on. This is a great opportunity to show the city in a different way by lighting things up and celebrating what we have.

"Burslem is a fantastic town with the most beautiful buildings and by lighting them up really shows them off. It is also a way of attracting people in and hopefully they will see the town and want to return in the day."

Animated projections were bespoke to each of the venues as visitors could learn more about the town while the city's heritage was brought to life in a stunning way. The display at the one-time town hall, entitled On Shining Wings, saw the dramatic story of a goddess unfolding from the brickwork. Meanwhile The Leopard pub had Ghosts of the Leopard - charting the secret history of the popular venue.

Indian restaurant Kismet was also lit up with stories from local people who chose to make their home in Stoke-on-Trent in a production entitled Settling in Stoke-on-Trent. Just outside the centre and the former Sunday School on Westport Road  was used for The Most Powerful Weapon which told the story of children being taught to read and write.  That will be complemented by music from the Light Night Community Choir and Mary Keith.

The Wedgwood Institute and 'Three Sisters' kilns in Bourne's Bank will also be lit up to help put such historic sites firmly in the spotlight.

Kat Boon, who is project manager with Appetite, was delighted to see the project get underway. She said: "There is a lot of heritage in Burslem and Light Night is a really good way of changing people's perceptions on an area by showing it in a different way."

Barewall Art Gallery is hosting a 'Light Grotto' featuring works by Philip Hardaker which are inspired by Burslem and political events. Owner Amanda Bromley said: "We are supporting Light Night and it is a good way of bringing people into the town and a lot of the businesses have got behind it by putting lights in their windows. It is lovely to see such world class illuminations to show the heritage buildings and we are hoping to see plenty of people coming along. It's a good way to show what we have here in Burslem."

On Friday and Saturday evening there will be a special musical procession, Sense Of Unity,where the search will be on for two puppets taking in New Street, Greenhead Street and Westport Road. Other areas including Queen Street will play host to the Fiery Promenade - where fire will be spouting from industrial-looking structures.

The work of Arthur Berry will be celebrated at Mothertown Fish and Chips and above Market Place Cafe. Other venues hosting illuminating art include Swan Bank Church, Market Passage, and St John's Square where some giant blue pods have been set up. The former Natwest on the corner of Westport Road and Newcastle Street will play host to Extra Yarn. The interactive performance tells a tale of craft and the power within to change communities.

Each installment will see the buildings lit up.

Among those heading to the opening night on Thursday was 33-year-old Oliver Clarke. Oliver, who was with four-year-old daughter Norah, said: "It's good they are doing something like this. We went to the Big Feast event and wanted to support this too."

Businesses included Barewall Art Gallery, the Bulls Head, Kismet and Agie and Katie Polish restaurant are also running special discounts during the Light Night events.

Light Night will return on Friday between 6pm and 9pm and on Saturday from 7pm until 10pm with admission free.

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