Free Stoke-on-Trent tea party exhibition opens 5 June: what residents need to know

A free exhibition at Stoke Minster will bring Stoke-on-Trent’s record-breaking Big Centenary Tea Party back into view on 5 June, as the city marks Stoke-on-Trent Day.

The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures Exhibition is an immersive, multi-zone display using photography, film, sound, storytelling and interactive features. It revisits the 2025 celebration that saw more than 15,000 people across 169 locations help Stoke-on-Trent break the Guinness World Record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues.

For visitors, the practical details are simple: the exhibition is at Stoke Minster, it is free to attend, and it forms part of the city’s Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations on Friday, 5 June 2026. A start time, end time and booking arrangements were not stated in the source announcement.

Stoke Minster hosts a city-wide memory

The exhibition has been created by YMCA North Staffordshire, Stoke Minster, Carse and Waterman, and Pete Herbert of PH Productions. Its focus is the Big Centenary Tea Party, one of the most visible public moments from Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year.

Visitors will be able to explore animated images, hear stories from people involved in the event, and step inside recreated tea party scenes. The display is designed to show how the record attempt spread well beyond one venue, with gatherings taking place across Stoke-on-Trent, Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords.

Stoke-on-Trent Day is held annually on 5 June, marking the date city status was granted by King George V. This year’s exhibition turns that civic anniversary into something more personal: photographs, voices and scenes from a day when thousands of residents gathered over a brew.

Readers planning a wider cultural day in the city may also want to note another local free event, the Festival of Treasure at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

What visitors can expect inside

The source announcement describes the display as immersive and multi-zone, combining visuals, sound, storytelling and interaction rather than a conventional photo wall.

The main highlights include photography and film from the 2025 tea party, sound-led storytelling, interactive displays, animated images and recreated tea party scenes. The exhibition is aimed at the general public, including residents who took part in the record attempt and those who want to understand why the event became such a large civic moment.

Nichola Twemlow, chief executive of YMCA North Staffordshire, said last year’s tea party showed “the very best of Stoke-on-Trent”, with more than 15,000 people stopping, connecting and sharing a cuppa. She described the achievement as being about community, kindness, belonging and the spirit of the city.

Dan Waterman of Carse and Waterman said the exhibition gives the centenary achievement a fresh digital perspective, using immersive storytelling and creative design to keep its legacy visible.

Useful details for planning a visit

The exhibition is part of Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations on 5 June. The source announcement did not provide a venue address, opening hours, end date, accessibility details, transport notes or booking requirements.

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said the Big Centenary Tea Party was one of the standout moments of the city’s centenary year, bringing people together from Stoke-on-Trent to Erlangen and the House of Lords.

Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

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This preview is based on the published Stoke-on-Trent City Council event announcement and keeps missing visitor details clearly marked.

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• Confirmed the event name, date and venue from the source text.
• Confirmed the exhibition is free and part of Stoke-on-Trent Day on 5 June.
• Checked that opening time, end date, booking details and accessibility information were no...
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Scope

Stoke-on-Trent

Updated

2026-06-03 23:59

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Article contextPeople & topics3#7

Nichola TwemlowDan WatermanSteve Watkins

#free exhibition#local culture#Stoke Minster#Stoke-on-Trent#Stoke-on-Trent Day#The Big Centenary Tea Party#YMCA North Staffordshire

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