Big Centenary Tea Party aiming to break World Record
Stoke-on-Trent is set to brew up something special this summer as part of its Centenary celebrations – with communities across the city invited to take part in a history-making Big Centenary Tea Party.
The event, which takes place at 11am on Tuesday, 8 July, will bring residents, businesses, schools and other organisations together for a shared moment of celebration – and the chance to break a world record.
Supported by a wide partnership of local organisations the tea parties hosted across the city and beyond will be in honour of Stoke-on-Trent’s 100 years of city status. From local parks and community halls to care homes, schools and office spaces, the Big Centenary Tea Party is set to bring communities together in celebration of the Centenary.
The tea party is being arranged by organisations including YMCA North Staffordshire, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the Community Foundation for Staffordshire, Made in Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent College, VAST, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, with support from the Ambassador Theatre Group and a wide range of local partners.
Steve Adams, Chief Executive of Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Big Centenary Tea Party and bringing everyone together to celebrate our wonderful, shared history. Let’s use this world record attempt to dream big and work together to make the next 100 years just as incredible.”
Nicky Twemlow, Community & Partnerships Director YMCA North Staffordshire, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Big Centenary Tea Party and will be supporting the World Record attempt. Stoke-on-Trent is a brilliant city, and this feels a perfect way to honour the cities 100-year celebrations and bring communities together.”
Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College, said: “Stoke on Trent College is delighted to be supporting the Big Centenary Tea Party. This is an opportunity to bring our staff together and celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent in style.”
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said: “The Big Centenary Tea Party is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together to build relationships and to celebrate, not only the history of our city, but also its future potential.”
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, said: “This is going to be a fun-filled event involving so many people from across our city.
“I can’t wait to sit down, enjoy a friendly chat with others and tuck into a tasty cream tea. 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.”
“Many organisations are working behind the scenes to make this special event attempt happen as part of our centenary year celebrations. I’d like to thank them for pulling it all together.
“There is still time to take part, and you’ll help us get one [step] closer to possibly beating the record. If this happens, you’ll be able to tell your friends and family forever more, ‘I’m a record breaker.’”
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.”
Dwain Mcdonald, Executive Lead at Made In Stoke, said: “This is more than just a tea party; it’s a testament to the spirit of our community. We are inviting everyone from our oldest residents to our youngest students to join us in creating a moment in history.”
