From a brand new cultural extravaganza to traditional theme park thrills and romantic nights out, Staffordshire has it all this February!

Here are 10 events to try this month...

1. Light Night (31st January-2nd February)

An eagerly-awaited, brand new event for 2019, Light Night will see the historic Stoke-on-Ternt town of Burslem transformed by Appetite Stoke.

A cultural extravaganza featuring light projections, musical parades, and spectacular artworks, Light Night is a free event running over three nights from Thursday 31st January to Saturday 2nd February.

Highlights include The Fiery Promenade, a magical display of sculptures animated by fire; Stoke-on-Trent Illuminated, a series of projections onto beautiful Burslem buildings such as the Old Town Hall and The Leopard Pub; and Arthur Berry Shines Again lighting up the painter, poet and writer's words in neon across town.

There's no need to book, so just turn up between 6pm and 9pm (or 7pm-10pm on Saturday) and take it all in!

Be sure to share your photos with us on Instagram. We're @enjoystaffordshire.

2. Star-gazing at Cannock Chase (2nd February)

Journey into space with astronomer Richard Darn at Cannock Chase Forest and discover distant galaxies, planets and shooting stars.

Perfect for anyone over the age of 6, Star-gazing at Cannock Chase, on Saturday 2nd February, gives you the chance to gaze into the Winter skies and spot satellites, the constellation of Orion, and Mars and Uranus, using the telescopes and binoculars provided.

And there are space rocks which are more than four million years old too!

Star-gazing at Cannock Chase is an amazing new way of experiencing our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a great introduction to Space for budding astronomers.

Email jacqui.blackford@forestryengland.uk to book your tickets.

3. Candlemas Carol Service (3rd February)

Pining for Christmas? Seems so long ago now doesn't it? Well, have no fear - the Candlemas Carol Service is here on Sunday 3rd February!

This is your chance to turn the clock back a few weeks and head for Lichfield Cathedral, where you can squeeze out one last bit of festive fun from the Christmas period, with the help of the Cathedral Choir.

A bitter-sweet festival signalling the real end of the Christmas season, Candlemas (also known as The Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple) celebrates the coming of Jesus and contemplates his journey.

In doing so it ties in with the Cathedral's theme for 2019, Journeys through Space, Light and Time, a programme of services and events inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing.

4. An Evening with Dan Snow (7th February)

Here's another great event to try if you enjoy history - a live show with The History Guy, Dan Snow, at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Thursday 7th February.

The leading historian and TV presenter brings his national tour to Cannock, covering historical facts, stories, legends and myths of the town, with some anecdotes and experiences from his career thrown in.

And there will be your chance to quiz him afterwards in the 20 minute Q&A session.

It promises to be a fascinating evening with one of TV's most engaging and interesting figures.

Book your tickets now at http://www.historyhit.com/events/

5. Thomas & Friends February Half-Term (9th-24th February)

Have a half-term experience to remember at Drayton Manor Park!

With entertaining live shows, interesting keeper talks, and thrilling rides to tackle, you're guaranteed a half-term like no other with Thomas & Friends.

Starting on Saturday 9th, and running throughout the month until Sunday 24th February, there will be balcony shows with The Fat Controller and Co, special entertainment around Sodor, and talks on the tigers, meerkats, and reptiles in the 15 acre zoo.

All the rides and attractions of Thomas Land will be open, as will some of the family-friendly ones in the theme park, such as Accelerator and Jolly Buccaneer.

Why not extend your stay at the Drayton Manor Hotel, where you could enjoy breakfast with The Fat Controller himself?

6. Paws for Remembrance (10th February)

Take your four-legged friend on a voyage of discovery at the National Memorial Arboretum's annual dog-walking event on Sunday 10th February (9am-3pm).

Explore the fascinating memorials, wonderful grounds and dog-friendly pathways, before a stroll along the Happy Hounds High Street, featuring stalls packed with tasty doggy treats.

Meet the experts from the PDSA, who are offering free health checks and advice to help you keep your pooch in tip-top condition.

The National Memorial Arboretum is free to enter, but there is a suggested donation of £5 for this event.

Register on the NMA website, over the phone or on the day.

7. Valentine's Masquerade Ball (15th February)

If you're looking for decadence, romance and mystery for Valentine's this year, head for The Three Horseshoes Country Inn for their Masquerade Ball on Friday 15th February.

Start your evening by indulging in a delicious three-course meal (£41 per person) in the Taste of Staffordshire Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2018, and then dust off those dancing shoes for the live music and disco.

This event is strictly black tie, so dress to impress and don't forget those masks!

Book your tickets now on 01538 300296.

8. Pirate & Princess Takeover (15th-24th February)

Alton Towers Resort is home of the swashbuckling adventure this half-term!

Take a short break with the family and explore the Sharkbait Reef, make a splash in the waterpark, and enjoy nine holes of Extraordinary Golf, before the main event - your evening of fab live entertainment!

Experience the high seas on the fun-filled pirate show, with tales of treasure and rescue, take the Pirates vs Princesses option featuring fancy dress parades and interactive game shows, or choose the Pirate & Princess Takeover, where you can learn tricks and attend the princess school.

The half-term adventures start on Friday 15th and run through to Sunday 24th February.

9. New Life on the Farm (16th-24th February)

Spring has sprung at the National Forest Adventure Farm and that means there are newborn lambs, piglets and chicks to meet this half-term.

You'll be able to bottle-feed the lambs and maybe see some being born at Lambing Live, while there are loads of activities in the barn to enjoy too.

Help Farmer Fogg make a scarecrow to take home with you, test out his new remote control tractors, deliver a lamb on the lambing simulator, and rebuild the fences to stop the sheep escaping!

New Life on the Farm is open from Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th February.

Admission includes entry to the indoor and outdoor adventure play areas.

10. Milkshake! Live 2019 (23rd February)

Enjoy a spot of half-term culture at the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield, with Milkshake! Live 2019, a brand new musical featuring the stars of Milkshake!

Bring half-term to a close with a bang on Saturday 23rd February, with the help of Fireman Sam, Noddy, Milkshake Monkey and other well-loved characters, as they help Monkey overcome his stage fright to put on a spectacular show.

A great way of escaping the elements if you need to!

Also this week, on Friday 22nd, Brainiac Live! Science Abuse transforms the stage into a lab with daredevil stunts, exploding microwaves and loads more

Tickets are available from the Garrick box office: https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/

Other things to do in Staffordshire

There are almost 100 events and activities to choose from in Staffordshire this February! Find out more in our What's On section.

Related

Appetite
Live Entertainment
A Christmas Love Story painted in the Sky by Cirque Bijou featuring the Bullzini Family. Photo by Andrew Billington Photography.

Appetite aims to get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts.

National Memorial Arboretum
Arboretum
National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. The 150 acre site, located in Staffordshire, features nearly 400 thought-provoking memorials for both military and civilian associations.

National Forest Adventure Farm
Farm
Goats are great!

The National Forest Adventure Farm, is acres of fun for everyone, whatever the weather!

Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Theatre
Inside the Garrick theatre

Located in the heart of Lichfield, Lichfield Garrick provides a programme of shows and conference facilities to suit every taste.

Cannock Chase Forest
Forest or Woodland
Image shows a family enjoying a summer walk

Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating woodland adventure on Cannock Chase. From the Midland’s best mountain bike trails or leisurely woodland walks, get the kids to let off some steam on one of the adventure play areas or take in the scenery up high from the platforms of Go Ape. Cannock Chase Forest has something for all the family.

Prince of Wales Theatre
Theatre
Outside of the Prince of Wales Theatre

Prince of Wales theatre is the local town theatre based in Cannock, in the heart of Staffordshire. The theatre provides year long events and entertainment which include musicals, drama, art events, wrestling, flower shows, beer festivals: both professional and provided by local amateur companies.

Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
Inn
Garden Room Bedroom

Winner - Silver Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Small Hotel of the Year 2019. Within the picturesque Staffordshire Peak District, 26 Bedrooms, garden rooms, Mill wheel Spa and an award winning restaurant, the Three Horseshoes provides an experience for guests with well-being benefits and relaxation second to none.

Alton Towers Resort
Theme Park
Wicker Man wooden rollercoaster at Alton Towers resort, Staffordshire, England.

Alton Towers Resort is Britain’s Greatest Escape and home to the UK’s favourite theme park with endless family fun and ground-breaking rollercoasters.

Drayton Manor Resort
Theme Park
Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire

Enjoy fun for everyone at Drayton Manor Resort; home of over 50 exciting rides and attractions including Europe’s only Thomas Land, epic family thrill rides and even a 15-acre zoo.

Lichfield Cathedral
Cathedral
Outside Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is a medieval Cathedral with 3 spires set in its own Close and is treasured landmark in the heart of the country that prides itself in offering a warm welcome to all our visitors.