Stoke-on-Trent’s record-breaking Big Centenary Tea Party is being revisited in a new free exhibition at Stoke Minster on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of Stoke-on-Trent Day.
The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures Exhibition is open to the general public. A start time, closing time and booking requirement were not stated in the source notice, so visitors should check local event information before setting off.
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Event | The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures Exhibition |
| Date | Friday, 5 June 2026 |
| Venue | Stoke Minster, Stoke-on-Trent |
| Cost | Free |
| Audience | General public |
| Time | Not stated in the source notice |
Stoke Minster hosts a city record in pictures
The exhibition brings back one of the most visible moments from Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year: The Big Centenary Tea Party, which saw more than 15,000 people take part across 169 locations in 2025.
That gathering helped Stoke-on-Trent break the Guinness World Record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues. The source notice says people joined in from across Stoke-on-Trent, Erlangen in Germany and the House of Lords as the city marked its 100th birthday.
This new display is designed as an immersive, multi-zone exhibition rather than a simple photo wall. It will combine photography, film, sound, storytelling and interactive displays, with recreated tea party scenes and animated images from the celebrations.
The timing gives the exhibition a clear local purpose. Stoke-on-Trent Day is held annually on 5 June, marking the date city status was granted by King George V.
What visitors will see inside the exhibition
Visitors are expected to be able to hear stories from people involved in the tea party and step inside recreated scenes from the event. The exhibition also uses film and sound to show how thousands of residents, groups and venues joined one shared civic moment.
The project has been created by YMCA North Staffordshire, Stoke Minster, Carse and Waterman, and Pete Herbert of PH Productions.
Nichola Twemlow, CEO of YMCA North Staffordshire, said last year’s event showed “the very best of Stoke-on-Trent”, with more than 15,000 people stopping to connect and share a cuppa. She said the record was about “community, kindness, belonging, and the incredible spirit of our city”.
Dan Waterman at Carse and Waterman said The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures celebrates an achievement that united 15,000 people across 169 locations. He said the team was using immersive storytelling and creative design to help the Centenary’s impact continue beyond the anniversary year.
A Stoke-on-Trent Day stop for families and residents
The free exhibition is likely to appeal to residents who took part in the 2025 tea party, families looking for a Stoke-on-Trent Day activity, and anyone interested in local history, civic celebrations or community events.
It also sits alongside other local cultural activity in the city. Readers planning free heritage-focused days out may also want to look at Stoke-on-Trent’s free Treasure Festival display, which focuses on a rare Bronze Age gold find at the Potteries Museum.
Simon Drakeford, of Stoke Minster, said the Minster was excited to host “this celebration of community” and looked forward to welcoming visitors.
Practical details before you go
The confirmed venue is Stoke Minster in Stoke-on-Trent, and the confirmed date is Friday, 5 June 2026. Entry is free.
The source notice did not provide a venue address, opening hours, end date, accessibility information, transport guidance or booking instructions. The exhibition forms part of this year’s Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations on 5 June.
Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
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This preview is based on the published Stoke-on-Trent City Council notice and the event details stated in that source.
- Confirmed the event name, venue and free entry from the source notice.
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- Source
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council
- Scope
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Updated
- 2026-06-03 23:46
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