Businesses have helped Stoke-on-Trent to officially break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest cream tea party.
Around 15,000 people were brought together at 194 locations for a shared moment of celebration, pride and togetherness to mark the city’s 100th birthday.
Guinness World Records adjudicators attended five venues – the Victoria Hall, Hanley; DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park; Jubilee Hall, Stoke Town Hall; Stoke Minster and NatWest Bank, Hanley – to formally verify the record.
Jam and cream scones and a cup of tea were enjoyed by 777 people across the five officially-verified venues – successfully breaking the previous record of 667 and making Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year even more unforgettable.
From Erlangen in Germany to Glastonbury, Ayrshire and even the House of Lords, thousands more participants also raised their cups and scones at 11am.
Those taking part included business representatives, residents, charities, schools and community groups.
Each of the venues hosted the event for free while Cottage Delight and Bengry’s the Bakers helped with supplies of the food.
Other businesses which supported the initiative included Duchess China, The Rabbit Hole Tea Room,Walters and Plaskitt Solicitors, Port Vale Football Club, and i-creation.
Nicky Twemlow from YMCA North Staffordshire, part of the event’s organising team, said: “This incredible achievement shows the world what we’ve always known here in Stoke-on-Trent, that when we come together, we can achieve great things.
“Every cup of tea shared today was a reminder of our city’s warmth, pride and community spirit.”
Tom Nadin, Head of Project and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The City of Stoke-on-Trent setting the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest tea party, during our centenary year, is more than a feel-good moment – it’s proof of our community’s warmth and togetherness.
“For the Chamber, it shows what’s possible when local businesses and residents come together with pride and creativity. In Stoke-on-Trent, we don’t just make the tea – we make history with it.”
Councillor Steve Watkins, the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “What an incredible way to mark our centenary year, by officially breaking the record for the world’s biggest tea party and bringing thousands of people together in a true show of unity and community spirit.
“This wasn’t just about the numbers – it was about celebrating who we are, a city built on pride, resilience and togetherness. Vis unita fortior – united strength is stronger – is our motto. And today we proved exactly that, by coming together and being record breakers.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part, wherever you took part – you’ve made history, and you’ve done Stoke-on-Trent proud.”
Others involved in the event’s organisation were Staffordshire Community Foundation, Made in Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent College, VAST, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
My friend & I attended The Big Centenary Tea Party at Stoke Minster. It was amazing & very enjoyable. Thankyou everyone who helped to make it a success. We have made more history in the best way possible.Being in The Guinness Book of records is a great achievement. Regards. Ann Rodger& Jeanette Riley.