Swaffham Cultural Consortium hopes to break world record for largest cream tea party on day of King Charles’ Coronation
A West Norfolk town is aiming to celebrate the King’s Coronation in record-breaking style by hosting the world’s largest ever cream tea party.
A free event is set to be held at Swaffham’s town centre on the day of the milestone event taking place next to the Buttercross building on May 8.
The current record for the number of people attending a cream tea party stands at 1,088, which was achieved by Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co. Ltd in China back in 2019.
Now, Swaffham Cultural Consortium hopes to smash the record and etch the town’s name in the record books on King Charles’ big day.
The town has a long history of bringing people together over a meal to celebrate historic events.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, residents celebrated royal coronations and marriages with public gatherings in the marketplace. Attendees would enjoy a roast beef and plum pudding dinner, washed down with large amounts of local ales.
At Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838, more than 2,000 people - almost the entire town population at the time - came together for a communal meal.
In more recent times, young and old residents enjoyed a free tea party to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953.
The latest record-breaking attempt, which will be held between 1-3pm, is being supported by Historic England as part of its commitment towards the Swaffham High Street Heritage Action Zone Initiative, town businesses and community groups.
Organisers are asking for volunteers who can help to bake scones, set up and take down tables, and steward the event. A shuttle bus service will operate from the edges of town.
Sue Gattuso, chair of Swaffham Cultural Consortium, said: “We want as many people across Norfolk to visit Swaffham and take part in our record breaking cream tea party on May 8.
“This free event will be a truly amazing, communal experience packed with fun, laughter and wonderful Swaffham scones.”
Anyone looking for further details on the event can visit www.swaffhamculture.org, while potential volunteers have been asked to contact Sue Gattuso directly at swaffhamheritage@outlook.com
