‘Tea Tyne’: Scarlett Moffatt hosts World Record-Breaking Cream Tea party to Celebrate National Lottery's 25th Birthday

TV personality Scarlett Moffatt played host to a tasty world record attempt today (23 October). She joined 1,054 people from across the UK as they munched their way into the Guinness World Records™ hall of fame by taking part in the largest cream tea party.

The party – designed to bring people together – was held to celebrate The National Lottery’s 25th birthday and a quarter of a century of helping to bring communities together. Fittingly it took place at the iconic Sage Gateshead, a National Lottery funded venue.

It saw Scarlett back on her home turf in the North East, where she was joined by a huge range of people intent on beating the record and having some fun.

This included a coach load of older people from Glasgow who made the journey that day to support the attempt and meet new friends.

They were also joined by people from Northern Ireland and Wales, along with countless others from community groups and projects that have received National Lottery funding over the years.

Etiquette expert William Hanson was on hand to help solve the great cream tea debate – jam before cream, milk before tea or vice versa?

The previous world record was set in July last year with 978 people attending.

Scarlett Moffatt said: “Here in the North East we’re known for our community spirit - and we love a party - but what today showed me is that when people get together, great things happen.

“Everyone here today has a story to tell about the amazing things they and others are doing in their communities with the help of National Lottery funding, and it was an honour to be part of it.”

One of the guests was Betty McDonald, 82 from The Senior Centre, Castlemilk, Glasgow. She said: “We’ve had such great support from The National Lottery so when we heard about this world record breaking attempt we really wanted to get involved. Over 50 people from my community group came with me here today and we had a whale of a time. We’re sad to be getting back on the coach to go home!”

The Senior Centre in Glasgow has received over £245,000 in National Lottery funding, and Betty attends at least three times a week. She takes full advantage of the art and exercise classes on offer as well as the meals served at the café.

But most importantly, she says that the Senior Centre is a place to meet friends and enjoy herself. Betty adds: “After my husband died I would have been a recluse if it wasn’t for this centre. It’s fabulous. There’s something for everyone – any class you want they’ll get it organised.”

Dawn Austwick, CEO of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Today’s giant cream tea party was all about bringing people and communities together – something that The National Lottery has been doing for 25 years. We’re delighted that people have joined us from across the UK to celebrate by sitting down together, talking and making friends over a cup of tea and a scone. It’s a simple act, but it can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Over the last 25 years, The National Lottery has invested £1.1 billion into places that bring people together such as local parks, village halls, community centres and much more. Last year alone, thanks to National Lottery players, £52.5 million was shared with 1,445 community spaces.

The National Lottery also funds The Big Lunch, an annual UK-wide event that brings people and communities together over the first weekend in June. Around 6 million people take part in The Big Lunch each year.

By funding grassroots organisations, village halls, youth clubs and community centres, The National Lottery has been fundamental to community life in the UK. The majority (70 per cent) of National Lottery grants are for £10,000 or less, helping small projects make a big difference in their community.

William’s top tips for the Ultimate Cream Tea include:

1. Traditionally, scones are delicately broken in two with the hands, rather than using a knife to cut into them.

2. Pinkies in! Drinking with your smallest finger extended isn’t actually the done thing, and isn’t very comfortable!

3. Always offer tea, scones and indeed anything to your neighbours at the dining table before you help yourself. Good manners are about putting others before ourselves.

Commenting on afternoon tea etiquette tips, Scarlett said: “It’s been hilarious to learn about afternoon tea etiquette and to share our little quirks and traditions about how we all enjoy afternoon tea where we’re from. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or how you like your cream tea, it’s all about bringing people together!”

Discover the positive impact playing the National Lottery has had on your community over the past 25 years by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the 25th hashtag: #NationalLottery25.

• The National Lottery’s Birthday celebrations are running for an eight-week period (from 14 October until 6 December). There are some incredible activities planned across the UK to celebrate the good causes that have been made possible thanks to National Lottery players over the last 25 years.
• The National Lottery’s first draw took place on 19 November 1994, more than £40 billion has been raised for good causes in the areas of arts, sport, heritage and community.
• The 25th birthday is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact The National Lottery has had on the UK, and to say thank you to National Lottery players for contributing around £30 million to good causes every week.
• National Lottery has made more than 5,500 millionaires but its primary purpose is giving to good causes - over 565,000 individual grants have been awarded across the UK, that’s the equivalent of 200 life-changing projects in every UK postcode district.