The Great Pottery Throw Down

Amateur potters from across the UK assemble in Stoke‑on‑Trent to compete in a 35‑day throwing challenge. Over the course of the contest each participant strives to create the finest work, with the ultimate aim of being crowned the Top Potter.

The programme follows a group of home pottery enthusiasts who converge in Stoke‑on‑Trent. It’s set up as a gathering of amateur ceramists who leave their domestic studios to take part in a shared event. The setting provides a backdrop for the participants to work side by side. Over the course of a 35‑day period, the contestants engage in a throwing contest. Each day they shape clay on the wheel, aiming to meet the demands of the competition. The extended timeframe tests their consistency and skill as they repeatedly produce pieces throughout the month. The ultimate purpose of the contest is to decide which participant will be awarded the title of Top Potter. At the end of the 35 days, the results will determine who among the group earns that distinction. The title serves as the final benchmark for the competitors. By bringing together these home‑based potters in Stoke‑on‑Trent, the programme creates a focused environment where the throwing challenge can unfold. The structure of the show revolves around the daily work, the collective effort, and the concluding decision that names the Top Potter.