Kelvin on tour as Stoke-on-Trent prepares to hand Centenary baton to Portsmouth for 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, Stoke-on-Trent is preparing to pass the Centenary baton to cities marking 100 years of city status in 2026, with Portsmouth the first stop.

The port city, birthplace of Charles Dickens, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Peter Sellers, will mark 100 years of city status on 21 April 2026.

Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary mascot, Kelvin the Kiln, visited Portsmouth to pass on the baton as the seaside city prepares for a year-long programme of celebrations.

During the visit, Kelvin toured some of Portsmouth’s best-known landmarks, including the Spinnaker Tower, the D-Day Museum and Gunwharf Quays.

Kelvin was accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, and the Lady Mayoress, Councillor Lynn Watkins.

They presented the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, and Lady Mayoress Dianna Carruthers, with a special Centenary plate crafted for Stoke-on-Trent by Moorland Pottery. In return, Portsmouth gifted Stoke-on-Trent a Portsmouth Shield.

The civic party also visited the Guildhall, where they enjoyed tea served in Wedgwood cups, creating a fitting link back to Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery heritage.

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said:

“This was a real tale of two cities as we prepare to hand over the Centenary baton to the birthplace of Charles Dickens.

“Visiting Portsmouth and touring its landmarks was a fantastic experience and we were made to feel incredibly welcome.

“I can’t wait to see how Portsmouth marks 100 years of city status. From experience, it’s going to be a phenomenal year, a real chance to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, diverse communities and look ahead to the next 100 years.

“Here in Stoke-on-Trent we’re used to our ceramics being distributed around the country and, in fact, the world, but this one is particularly special. I’m proud that a plate from Stoke-on-Trent’s own Moorland Pottery will be part of the Portsmouth100 preparations.

“We were also delighted to receive the Portsmouth Shield in return and the gift will take pride of place in the city’s collection for generations to come as a mark of this handover.”

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon Jackson, said:

“We are honoured to receive the Centenary baton from Stoke-on-Trent as Portsmouth prepares to celebrate 100 years of city status in 2026. This milestone is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our proud history, from our maritime heritage to our cultural achievements, and to look forward to an exciting future. We’re grateful for the warm exchange of gifts and friendship between our two cities, and we can’t wait to showcase Portsmouth’s spirit throughout our centenary year.”

Later in December, Stoke-on-Trent will also pass the baton to Salford as it prepares to celebrate its own Centenary in 2026.

Portsmouth is one of 24 Key Cities, a cross-party network that also includes Stoke-on-Trent and Salford, reflecting the realities of modern urban life in the UK and bringing together cities with shared histories, strengths and challenges.

With three Key Cities celebrating their Centenaries across two consecutive years, the baton handovers create an important link between places that have shaped industry, culture and innovation across the country.

As Stoke-on-Trent looks ahead to its next century, these cities, including Portsmouth and Salford, will continue to play a key role in driving new industries and opportunities, supporting creative talent, small businesses and wider economic growth.