The immersive, multi-zone exhibition will take place at Stoke Minster and combine visuals, sound, storytelling and interaction.
It comes as the city gears up to celebrate the second Stoke-on-Trent Day – an annual celebration held on 5 June, the day city status was granted by King George V.
The exhibition will use photography, film, sound and interactive displays to revisit one of the standout moments of the city’s Centenary year celebrations.
Visitors will be able to explore animated images, hear stories from people involved and step inside recreated tea party scenes celebrating the event that brought thousands of people together across the city and beyond.
More than 15,000 people across 169 locations took part in The Big Centenary Tea Party in 2025, helping Stoke-on-Trent break the Guinness World Record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues.
Across Stoke-on-Trent, Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords, people came together to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday.
The exhibition 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 showed the very best of Stoke-on-Trent. More than 15,000 people stopped, connected, shared a cuppa, and became part of something bigger than themselves.
“This achievement was never just about breaking a world record - it was about celebrating community, kindness, belonging, and the incredible spirit of our city.
“As we launch Stoke Day, we hope people once again take a moment to pause, connect with others, and celebrate what makes Stoke so special.”
Dan Waterman at Carse and Waterman, said:
“Stoke-on-Trent has an incredible story, but even the biggest milestones need an engaging narrative to sustain their legacy.
“The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures celebrates a monumental achievement that saw 15,000 people across 169 locations unite to break a Guinness World Record.
“Carse & Waterman is thrilled to bring a fresh digital perspective to this retrospective, using immersive storytelling and creative design to ensure the impact of the Centenary continues to inspire.”
Simon Drakeford, of Stoke Minster, said:
“The Minster is excited to host this celebration of community and of our great city Stoke-on-Trent.
“The images from our city-wide centenary tea party, remind us of how great we are all together and what brilliant World Record Breakers we all are. We very much look forward to welcoming you to Stoke Minster.”
Outgoing Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said:
“The Big Centenary Tea Party was one of the standout moments of our Centenary year.
“From Stoke-on-Trent to Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords, people across the world joined in to mark our 100th birthday and we even broke a world record along the way.
“It was a reminder of our city’s motto, Vis Unita Fortior – united strength is stronger. As we prepare to celebrate the second Stoke-on-Trent Day, it’s a great moment to look back on last year’s celebrations and to get together with friends, family and colleagues over a brew once again on 5 June to celebrate our city and all things Stoke-on-Trent.”
The exhibition forms part of this year’s Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations on 5 June.
Following the success of last year’s Big Centenary Tea Party, people are once again being encouraged to come together with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent.
Communities across the city are being encouraged to organise their own tea parties and share photographs on social media using #SOTDay and #BigStokeonTrentTeaParty
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