Record breakers! Stoke-on-Trent hosts world’s biggest tea party

The people of Stoke-on-Trent are officially world record holders, after the city smashed a Guinness World Record.

Around 15,000 people came together across 194 venues today (Tuesday, 8 July), breaking the world record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues.

The event was held to mark 100 years of city status as people came together across the city to share jam and cream scones and a cup of tea in a bid to make history.

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.

Tea and scones were enjoyed by 777 people across the five officially-verified venues – successfully breaking the previous record and making Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year even more unforgettable.

Stoke-on-Trent's twin city, Erlangen in Germany, also held a number of tea parties to celebrate the record attempt. The city's mayor - and a number of schools - all took part to support Stoke-on-Trent.

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.”

Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Centenary Champion, said: “Well done, Stoke-on-Trent. You're record breakers, ducks!

“I’m so proud that the city I love came together to celebrate our centenary by smashing an official world record. What a way to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent.

“Families, friends, neighbours and colleagues came together proving that the simple act of sharing a cuppa can be something extraordinary when done together.”

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.”

Hassan Rizvi, principal and chief executive at Stoke on Trent College, said: “Stoke on Trent College is truly honoured to play our part in a Guinness World Record, for the world’s largest cream tea party.

“This is a fantastic way to continue the celebrations for the Centenary of Stoke-on-Trent.”      

Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said: “Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year has been a fantastic chance for the city to come together, and to remember and celebrate the amazing community spirit that exists.

“The Big Centenary Tea Party was an opportunity for local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to bring together their staff, volunteers, members, and clients to say thank you, for the people of Stoke-on-Trent to be part of something memorable, and for local businesses to get involved in supporting events in their local area.

“To have also broken a Guinness World Record just makes the event even more special for everyone involved and proves that when we put our minds to it, the people of Stoke-on-Trent can achieve great things.”

Tom Nadin, head of project and business services at the Staffordshire Chamber 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.”

Steve Adams, chief executive of Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire, said: “That’s how you win a world record attempt!

“The true winner in this is our fantastic city, and this event demonstrated how much unity exists in Stoke-on-Trent.

“People, charities and businesses from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all environments have come together to celebrate our city and work together for one goal.

“It just goes to show how much we can achieve when we all pull together. That’s what makes Stoke-on-Trent great, and now we hold the record the world will know it too!”