LOCAL RADIO HOST TO STAR IN ‘STOKIE’ NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW
A TALENTED radio and events host has been announced as the main presenter for a brand new show which is to celebrate the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
Dan Townley (pictured) has lived and breathed the entertainment industry from a young age. From exploring acting and stand-up comedy, he has presented his own radio show on community station 6 Towns Radio – which is located in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent – for the last ten years.
The 32-year-old – who has interviewed the likes of Robbie Williams, Johnathan Wilkes and numerous sports professionals during his career – has also compered at various events and has hosted the big Christmas Lights switch on in Newcastle-under-Lyme for four years.
Now, Dan will be starring in online New Year’s Eve show – Hootenanna – which is by Claybody Theatre
“Hootenanna is a huge exciting show and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” says Dan.
“When I got asked to be the main presenter I was over the moon and definitely wanted to take up such a fantastic opportunity.
“It’s going to be like a TV show, but streamed online for free, and is all about Stoke-on-Trent – my home City – which I love. It’s going to be really good fun and will be shining a light on our local people and organisations from the area. Plus there will be music, VIP guests and lots of surprises along the way – I cannot wait.”
Hootenanna will be streamed online via Claybody Theatre’s website on New Year’s Eve.
Those watching will be able to experience the Hootenanna ‘party room’ in the build up to ringing in the new year at midnight where Dan will be greeting and chatting to guests.
A team of six community reporters, who were brought in by Claybody Theatre in the summer to collate various stories from different organisations and community events, will also be sharing news.
Confirmation for an assistant presenter to join Dan on the night is imminent as well as news of a headline band.
“Hootenaana is one huge celebration of Stoke-on-Trent,” says Deborah McAndrew, artistic director of Claybody Theatre.
“This show is all about local people and local stories therefore we were thrilled when Dan agreed to be our presenter as he has a real true talent, loves Stoke-on-Trent through and through, and we know everyone will love him on the night.
“Our community reporters have also been doing incredible things between them and all have exciting news to share. Plus on the night there will be lots of surprises along the way – it’s all going to be a lot of fun.”
Deborah adds: “Dan is going to be very busy leading the show and we will soon be announcing news of an assistant to help him with some interviews. We will also soon be revealing who is going to be performing on the night as we have something quite special in the pipeline.”
Hootenanna will be streamed via www.claybodytheatre.com
Claybody Theatre have created many successful local plays over the years such as Song of the Sytch, The D Road, The Card and more recently the very successful Bright Lights Over Bentilee which attracted media attention UK-wide. Recently they were also presented with a Civic Pride Award at the University of Staffordshire Your Heroes Awards 2024 for their work in Stoke-on-Trent.
The theatre company are based at the Dipping House, Spode Works, Stoke, and received funding from Arts Council England – which is Lottery Funded – and Stoke-on-Trent City Council for Hootenanna.
