Craig Wilkinson, LUNAR "Let's build something"
Film festivals, immersive dining experiences, drive through cinemas in Sandon, coffee shops in Stafford, fine dining in Barlaston. Craig Wilkinson reveals all.
The Knot Pod is filmed and recorded at Dissident. Check out their podcast and content production options here.
In E5, we talk to Craig Wilkinson. He’s the founder of LUNAR at World of Wedgwood, Murder Express Dining Experience in London and Albert’s Cafe in Stafford. Craig is highly entrepreneurial, creating experiences here and beyond with a brilliant twisting and turning career. His story is inspiring, funny and totally unexpected in places.
Listen up for the 19th century Wedgwood plate he found on an island working with a french chef that first piqued his Stoke-on-Trent love affair.
Can you be creative and entrepreneurial without following a conventional path? Is Staffordshire the best place for big dreams, ambitious projects, and unexpected opportunities?

Craig Wilkinson’s story is one of reinvention, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected. From a love of film to starting a business in the world of immersive brand experiences, Craig has forged his own path in a way that’s anything but traditional.
Craig’s journey started growing up in Dudley, then travelling the world with film festivals, before a career with immersive events in London and now a life in Staffordshire.
Craig has taken everything he's learned from his decades of experience in film and events and is applying them here in Stoke and Staffordshire through LUNAR at World of Wedgwood and Albert's Cafe in Stafford.
Craig's a true entrepreneur that is bringing great experiences to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. He's someone that sees the untapped opportunity.
In this episode of The Knot Pod, we dive into Craig's extraordinary career, including:
Craig's early life and connections to Staffordshire
A chance encounter with film industry legend Doug, leading to the creation of the Stratford-upon-Avon Digital Film Festival
How exploring the world led to discovering a love for event management and brand experiences
Moving from freelancing to creating his own agency, Coalition Events
The surprising link between Staffordshire and acting — and how a first audition in Stafford inspired Craig's next chapter
The challenges and rewards of running creative businesses in a more unconventional location
The role of Staffordshire in fostering his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
Life in London vs Staffordshire — why Craig chose to return home after years of living in the hustle and bustle of the big city
Insights into how you can follow a creative career in Staffordshire — and why location doesn't always limit your ambition
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creativity or success — and sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places.