A huge cream tea party is being planned to mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary – with the hope of breaking a world record at the same time.
Communities across the city are being invited to join in an attempt to gather the largest number of people taking part in a simultaneous cream tea party across multiple venues.
A special event is being held at the Victoria Hall, in Hanley, between 11am and 12.30pm on Tuesday, 8 July – but residents, businesses, schools and other organisations can also hold events at their own venues, subject to a minimum number of 25 people taking part.
The initiative aims to bring people together to celebrate 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was awarded city status and celebrate the city’s history.
The current world record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues is held by colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society who had 667 people at their event in aid of charity in June 2015.
The Big Centenary Tea Party is being organised by YMCA North Staffordshire, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Staffordshire Community Foundation, Made in Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent College, VAST, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, supported by The Ambassador Theatre Group and a wide range of organisations and community partners.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Staffordshire Chambers are proud to support The Big Centenary Tea Party – a brilliant celebration of community spirit, connection, and 100 years of making a difference.
“It’s an opportunity to show how important it is to bring people together, and what better way than over a cuppa and a slice of cake!”
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe said: “Our city’s tea sets are famous all over the world so I can’t think of a better way for us to get together for a brew in Stoke-on-Trent than this.”
The Victoria Hall will be an official hub for the world record attempt.
Seats at that event cost £10 per person and all monies raised will go into a centenary legacy pot for groups to apply to in 2026.
Anyone taking part will be asked to supply their own food and drink.
For more information about the Big Centenary Tea Party, follow this link or email teaparty@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or hello@madeinstoke.com
