A major national summit exploring how bamboo could transform industries from construction to textiles will be held in Stoke-on-Trent this October.

The fifth UK Bamboo Summit, which will take place at the Goods Yard in Stoke from 10am to 5pm on Friday, October 10, will bring together researchers, innovators, businesses, policymakers and artists to explore how the fast-growing, sustainable material could play a role in the UK’s green economy.

Organisers say bamboo is already being used in industries as diverse as construction, textiles, interiors and packaging, and that there is growing interest in how British businesses could harness its potential.

Gemma Thomas, director of Stoke-on-Trent-based Brilliant Bamboo, said: “Many people think of bamboo as something exotic, but the reality is it’s one of the most versatile and sustainable materials in the world and it’s growing in the UK.

“The UK is still at the early stages of developing a bamboo industry, but the opportunities are huge. We want businesses in Staffordshire and beyond to be part of this journey.”

The event will feature speakers from the UK and overseas sharing the latest developments, alongside opportunities for networking and partnership building.

Gemma added: “You might not think bamboo has anything to do with you or your business – and that’s exactly why you should come.

“From creating sustainable supply chains to designing new products, bamboo is finding its way into places you’d never expect. Events like this spark collaborations that can lead to entirely new opportunities.”

The UK Bamboo Summit is part of a wider push by the Bamboo in the UK group, an informal network of organisations and individuals working to put the material on the national agenda. Members include Atelier One, Bamboo Bicycle Club, Brilliant Bamboo, David Trujillo, Coventry University, Imagineer Productions, Michael Brisbane, NoFit State Circus, Orit Azaz, Terragrn and UK Bamboo Supplies.

Organisers say the event, which is part-funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funding, will also provide compelling evidence to strengthen the case for bamboo in government policy discussions.

Gemma said: “This is more than just an event – it’s about shaping the future of a new industry in the UK and a call to action. We want to show that bamboo isn’t just an environmental idea, but a real business opportunity that can bring innovation and growth to Staffordshire and beyond.”

Brilliant Bamboo is currently establishing a ‘bamboo parklet’ on brownfield land off Boothen Road in Stoke, which will be used to explore sustainability, creativity and the impact on the

environment, including whether bamboo can improve air quality in an area which traditionally has had high levels of pollution.

Other plans for the site include art, science, nature and physical activities for all ages, as well as developing environmentally positive projects that improve the land, remove carbon and support native biodiversity.

Tickets for the UK Bamboo Summit, which cost £15 or £10 for concessions – alongside a ‘pay what you decide’ option – are available from https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/6150809/chk/cdb5/ For further information about Brilliant Bamboo visit brilliantbamboo.co.uk

ENDS

Notes for editors

Formed in 2023 by Gemma Thomas, Brilliant Bamboo is a community interest company with a mission to bring together the arts, communities of North Staffordshire and professionals from across all sectors to explore growing, building and creating from bamboo. The organisation grew out of a project run by Imagine Bamboo, Appetite and Arts Keele, which brought together artists, academics, architects, engineers and communities to grow, build and consider what next for bamboo in North Staffordshire, connected to an international community.

Our venue – Goods Yard

Once a derelict warehouse, Goods Yard has been reborn as a buzzing new neighbourhood with homes, indie cafés, bars, eateries and stores all set around a lush, plant-packed public square. Ideally located right next to the train station making Stoke’s new hangout as connected as it gets.