Kelvin the Kiln bids New Year’s Eve farewell to the city’s Centenary

Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary mascot, Kelvin the Kiln, will mark the end of the city’s 100th anniversary year with a celebratory tour on New Year’s Eve.

Kelvin will visit all six towns, giving residents and visitors a chance to see the much-loved mascot as the city prepares to move into its next century.

The tour was the idea of Kevan Smallman, the man who has brought Kelvin to life at the majority of Centenary events throughout the year.

He wanted to end the celebrations by visiting every town and thanking people for the support shown during the Centenary.

Kevan said: “It's been an absolute pleasure to bring some love and laughter as Kelvin the Kiln to the great people of Stoke-on-Trent. I'll certainly miss him.”

Kelvin’s New Year’s Eve schedule is:

• Longton – 9am
• Stoke – 10am
• Tunstall – 11am
• Burslem – 12 noon
• Hanley – 1pm
• Fenton – 2pm 

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “The Centenary year has been about bringing people together across all six towns, and Kelvin has played a big part in that. 

“He’s been out at events across the city, leading a conga at the Party in the Park and getting huge cheers from children at City Music Service concerts.

“He’s been called everything from a local legend to a cultural icon, which says a lot about the affection people have for him. This tour is a fitting way to mark the end of the Centenary celebrations as we start looking ahead to our next century.”