Cornwall Hospice makes history with world record cream tea

Cream first or jam first has divided Cornwall for generations, but nobody at the Royal Cornwall Showground yesterday was arguing about that. They were too busy setting a record that has never belonged to the county before.

Beating a record set in Beijing

Cornwall Hospice now holds the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Cream Tea Party, after bringing together 2,483 people to enjoy one of Cornwall’s favourite treats. The gathering smashed the previous record of 1,088, set on the other side of the world by Mercedes-Benz in Beijing.

It happened yesterday, Saturday 19 September, when supporters from across Cornwall packed into the Royal Cornwall Showground to take part in the record-breaking event, securing the title and bringing it home to Cornwall.

“This is what Cornwall is all about”

The event was hosted by Cornish comedian and entertainer Johnny Cowling, who thanked everyone who turned out and reflected on what the day meant.

“This is what Cornwall is all about – supporting one another. Cornwall Hospice has been here for decades, caring for patients and their loved ones in the hardest of times. Everyone who attended showed their support for Cornwall Hospice, and they made history at the same time. I am honoured I got to play a part in bringing the record to Cornwall, where I hope it stays for a very long time,” Johnny said.

The businesses behind the tea

The occasion brought together families, friends, volunteers and supporters, alongside Cornish businesses who helped make it happen. The event would not have been possible without sponsors Rodda’s, Prima Bakeries, Tregothnan, Kingdom & Sparrow, Boddington’s, Hawkins Motor Group, Cornwall’s Rewind Radio, Co-op, RRL Accountants, Harbour Hotels and Fluid Branding.

Forty-five years of care

Frazer Hopkins, Income Generation Director at Cornwall Hospice, said the achievement belonged to the whole community.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by everyone who attended. Achieving a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title is a fantastic achievement, but what makes this so special is that it was accomplished by the community coming together for our hospices. Every person who joined us has helped raise awareness of the vital care we provide and the difference hospice care makes to local families every day,” Frazer said.

The record attempt also marked 45 years since Cornwall Hospice, the charity, began providing specialist palliative care and support to people across Cornwall, helping patients and their loved ones navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with compassion, dignity and expert care.

Whatever the Showground gets used for next, for one Saturday it held more people eating scones, jam and clotted cream than anywhere else on the planet.