Stoke-on-Trent’s Grandmothers Honored in New Year’s Eve Broadcast Event

An alternative New Year’s Eve broadcast, inspired by Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny, will feature songs, stories, and a tribute to Stoke-on-Trent’s grandmothers, also known as nannas. This event is being orchestrated by the Claybody Theatre and will be recorded at The Production House in Tunstall. Those who watch the broadcast through the theatre’s official website will witness the Hootenanna’s celebratory space welcoming the new year, accompanied by musical performances from the Cor Bach Choir and the Penkhull Brass Band. Additionally, the program will showcase brief films created by community reporters, covering topics like the city’s green spaces and Stoke-on-Trent’s upcoming centenary year. According to the organisers, the concept originated as a means to disseminate narratives and honor nannas throughout Stoke-on-Trent. Deb McAndrew, who serves as the artistic director for the Claybody Theatre, stated: “It was just an idea we had really and we thought it was funny.” She further elaborated, “But it’s covering so much more than the women in the city who are amazing – everybody, from allotment gardeners to food outlets, carnival – it’s a really broad, diverse celebration of the city.” Conrad Nelson, also an artistic director, commented: “Hootenanny says a party, Hootenanna is about a slightly older generation.” He described the event as a “great metaphor for the city,” noting that grandmas are perceived as matriarchs bearing “so much responsibility in all cultures.” Marie Bird, a resident of Trentham, is scheduled to host the evening and mentioned that she did not consider herself old enough to be a grandmother. She remarked: “I have to say it’s been one of the best roles of my life so far, I absolutely adore my granddaughter.” Ms Bird further indicated that she had no prior experience in presenting and felt somewhat “terrified” by the prospect, but the Claybody team assisted in making her comfortable. She expressed: “It’s incredible – the set’s amazing, everybody’s amazing and I’m loving it so far.” She also shared, “My daughters are just howling with laughter at it and I’ve never had so many Facebook messages off people.” The Hootenanna broadcast will be available for live streaming through the Claybody Theatre website on New Year’s Eve, commencing at 20:00 GMT. For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.