(Minghui.org) Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ second performance at the Regent Theatre on the afternoon of February 18, 2026. After the performance, Mayor Watkins presented Shen Yun a special Lord Mayor’s Recognition Certificate to honor the company’s outstanding contribution to the city’s cultural life.

Steve Watkins (left), Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, presented Shen Yun with a special Lord Mayor’s Recognition Certificate at the conclusion of the performance on February 18, 2026.

Shen Yun’s Performance Represents Universal Values

Watkins said at the award ceremony, “I would just compliment them on their amazing hard work that underpins these shows,” “Wonderful performances, exhilarating performances. Please, please, keep going and keep doing what you do and educating the world. It’s wonderful. Thank you!”

He praised that the spiritual aspect rooted in traditional folklore and origin beliefs was “fascinating.” He resonated with the spiritual and moral themes presented in the performance, believing that they were universal values.

“What we talk about in this country as British values, you’ll find they’re everybody’s values,” he said, “Having a moral compass is what we’re really talking about, and I think that shows through in the ambitions of the show. It’s fantastic.”

Seamless Blending of Chinese and Western Music

As an amateur musician, the mayor was especially impressed by the live orchestra’s perfect blending of traditional Chinese instruments with Western orchestral music. “Fantastic! To see that blending of traditional instruments with what could be seen as modern orchestral instruments is wonderful. It works seamlessly. It works so well,” he said.

He enjoyed the erhu performance. “I was intrigued by the two-string instrument they played,” he said, “It’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”

Mayor Awards Special Recognition and Hopes That Shen Yun Returns

The mayor recognized the company’s artistic excellence and its contribution to the city’s cultural life. He formally presented Shen Yun with the Lord Mayor’s Special Recognition Certificate. He called the performance “both inspiring and educational.”

At the end, he welcomed the company’s return to the city. “As the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, we’re so pleased to have this fantastic company here, and we look forward to seeing them again.”