10 November Events in Staffordshire

Whether you're looking for dazzling displays, festive fun or a chance to reflect and remember, there's something for you in Staffordshire this November. 

There are more than 100 events to choose from this month. Here are our 10 highlights:

1. Best of British Fireworks Spectacular, Drayton Manor Park

Drayton Manor Park, near Tamworth, is well known for its awesome fireworks displays and this year promises to be no different.

In the past they have thrilled audiences with sci-fi and Star Wars-themed evenings, and this year The Best of British Fireworks Spectacular will turn Staffordshire's skies red, white and blue!

And with a great soundtrack featuring legendary British acts like The Beatles, Oasis, Take That and The Spice Girls, you're bound to come out feeling patriotic.

There will also be the chance to ride top rollercoasters in the dark, with many staying open until late, while younger visitors can enjoy the thrills of Thomas Land's 25 rides and attractions before the main event.

The Best of British Fireworks Spectacular runs from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November and tickets are available from the Drayton Manor Park website.

Image: Ashley Gardner

2. Poppy Fields, Lichfield Cathedral

An amazing light and sound show, Poppy Fields gives visitors to Lichfield Cathedral the chance to walk through the poppy fields of World War 1.

Featuring readings from the Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, this poignant projection includes the names of local soldiers who served in the war and provides an opportunity to remember all those lost in conflict.

The show will run on three nights - Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and Sunday 11th November. Tickets are available on the Lichfield Cathedral website.

On Armistice Day itself, there will be a programme of events including a traditional civic service (10am) and a Requiem Eucharist for the Fallen of WW1 at 5.30pm.

White doves will be released on Cathedral Green at 11.30am, and the cathedral bells will ring out for peace at 7pm.

3. A Magical Wedgwood Christmas, World of Wedgwood

The festive season arrives in Staffordshire as one of our top pottery attractions is transformed for A Magical Wedgwood Christmas.

From Saturday 10th November, World of Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent will feature wonderful displays in the flagship Wedgwood store, a children's Christmas trail in the free-to-enter Wedgwood Museum, and festive afternoon teas in The Wedgwood Tea Room.

Create a unique Christmas gift in the Master Craft Studio, where you can learn how to throw a pot, or in the Decorating Studio's design a plate or ceramic bauble sessions.

And take a bracing winter stroll and spot the wildlife in the neighbouring Hem Heath Woods or beside the picturesque Trent & Mersey Canal.

A Magical Wedgwood Christmas runs from 10th November to 6th January 2019.

4. Armistice Day, National Memorial Arboretum

This year's Armistice Day at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, will be like no other - it coincides with Remembrance Sunday and is also the centenary of the end of World War One.

The commemorations begin at 6pm on Saturday 10th November, with an Armistice 100 Candlelight Vigil.

The day itself, Sunday 11th November, will be marked with a moving service to remember all those who have served and sacrificed over the past 100 years.

It starts at 8am and there will be parking restrictions in place - full details are on the National Memorial Arboretum website.

5. Remembrance Service, RAF Museum Cosford

You can pay your respects at The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford too, thanks to a special remembrance service on Sunday 11th November.

The service will take place in Hangar 1, with personnel from RAF Cosford present alongside the Cosford Military Wives Choir. There will also be a two minute silence and a sounding of 'The Last Post'.

Armistice Day takes on an extra significance this year, as it is 100 years since the formation of the RAF.

As part of their programme of events to mark the centenary, the RAF Museum has created Storyvault, a website telling the story of the RAF and including details of all Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force service personnel who fell during the Great War. 

Find out more at the Storyvault website.

6. Santa's Winter Wonderland, SnowDome

Returning to the SnowDome, Tamworth, for a 14th year on Friday 16th November, Santa's Winter Wonderland is packed with festive family fun, on real snow!

There's sledging, tubing and snowball fights on Santa's Christmas snow trail in the enchanted forest, and the chance to meet real reindeer and explore Santa's house, with its HUGE Christmas tree.

Write Santa a letter and drop it into the magical talking letter box, before taking your seat for the all new Santa Show, featuring general mayhem and some very famous faces.

After the show, get your skates on and take to the UK's only ice track, try your hand at snowboarding, or reach new heights on the SnowDome Climb.

Santa's Winter Wonderland is open every day from 16th November to 31st December (except Christmas Day). Tickets are available from the SnowDome website.

7. Marston's Beer Festival Raceday, Uttoxeter Racecourse

Celebrate one of Staffordshire's historic breweries and enjoy an afternoon of thrilling horse-racing at the Marston's Beer Festival Raceday at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

On Saturday 17th November, the Marston's Beer Marquee will be home to great live music from Fandjango, with their unusual take on modern pop, rock and hip-hop classics, as well as tasty tipples like Pedigree, 61 Deep and Bombardier.

And there will be plenty more excitement on the track, with seven exhilarating jump races, starting at 12.15.

It promises to be a cracking day out for friends and family, and children under 18 go free when accompanied by a paying adult (ID may be required)!

Tickets are available at the Uttoxeter Racecourse website. 

8. Additional Needs Event, Waterworld

Visitors to the Additional Needs Event at Waterworld are guaranteed a splashing time.

On Saturday 17th November, the Stoke-on-Trent aqua park will once again open its doors exclusively to people with disabilities and their families, providing easier access to the water and rides.

Suitable for visitors in wheelchairs and those with special educational needs, the event is extremely popular as it gives them a chance to enjoy the facilities - which are all open except for Nucleus and the outdoor pool - when the park is less busy.

The event is restricted to 600 guests, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets are available from the Waterworld website. 

9. Santa's Sleepovers, Alton Towers Resort

Santa will be spending plenty of time in Staffordshire this year! Why not spend some quality time with the man himself at one of Alton Towers Resort's Santa's Sleepovers?

These magical family getaways include tickets for the theme park - where selected rides and attractions will be open - and water park, a festive evening meal and most importantly a unique visit to Father Christmas!

And there's a packed programme of festive entertainment including the all new Alice in Wonderland panto.

Santa's Sleepovers start on Sunday 25th November and run on selected dates in December, including Friday 14th to Sunday 23rd.

Tickets are available from the Alton Towers website.

10. Christmas Lights Switch-on, Trentham Estate

This year's big switch-on at The Trentham Estate, near Stoke-on-Trent, will be full of festive glitz and sparkle thanks to Santa and a few of his well-loved friends!

Join the parade through the shopping village, on Wednesday 28th November, and meet your favourite storybook characters, like Humpty Dumpty, Snow White and Goldilocks, before Santa and Mrs Claus turn on the Christmas lights.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities after the switch-on, and the village will be open until 8pm, so you can make a dent in your Christmas shopping list.

The switch-on marks the start of the festivities at The Trentham Estate, with late night shopping on 5th, 12th and 19th December, Santa in his grotto on selected dates, and the hilarious Elf Adventure Challenge too!

Details are available at The Trentham Estate website.

Things to do near me

There are full listings on events in November in our What's On section, while our Things to Do section is packed with ideas for days out all year round in Staffordshire.