Stoke-on-Trent's centenary celebrations proved so successful they have inspired other cities marking milestones this year, senior councillors have heard.

A record-breaking tea party and a people's parade – both attracting thousands of revellers – were among more than 70 major events that took place in 2025 to showcase Stoke-on-Trent's heritage and culture for the city's 100th anniversary.

Members of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet considered the event's outcome and legacy at their meeting on Tuesday (October 6).

Despite challenges such as limited funding and downpours on the day of the parade, community spirit shone through, members heard.

The centenary project was mainly funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funding, a report to the cabinet said.

It added: "Over the past two financial years the UK SPF total Revenue funding was under £400k and Capital £100k.

"Additional support was provided by £27k of Potto Lotto money. All other funding came from external streams including Arts Council England, National Heritage Lottery Fund, Community Foundation, sponsors, philanthropists (and) councillors' ward budgets – most of which was applied for by partners, community groups and organisations.

"This was topped up with financial sponsorship from local businesses and donations of goods and services in kind. Income was generated from the sale of SOT100 merchandise, and no general funds were used.

"A benchmark was set for how towns and key cities can use centenary celebrations to raise their profile and maximise positive external perceptions from across the world.

"The team sparked ideas and shared best practice with the key cities of Portsmouth and Salford who are celebrating their 100 years in 2026; they were keen to learn how we had delivered so much with a small team and limited budget."

Council leader Jane Ashworth said: "The centenary year was lively, vibrant, exciting, engaging and involved an awful lot of people.

"The best examples of that probably are the People's Parade – 1,000 participants, 10,000 people watching and believe me it was pouring down – and there was also 15,000 people taking part in the successful world record attempt on the largest tea party, plus dozens of other events where people came together to take part in celebrating our city by doing what it is they love to do.

"I think that was tremendously successful and it showed the enthusiasm for the city. But the other key point is that other cities are now looking at us.

"For instance Portsmouth and Salford have got their centenaries as we speak. The reason they were interested in us wasn't just the bounce that was engendered in the city, but the fact we did it on very little money.

"If we'd have had £2m or £3m to put into it, it would have been a crazily vibrant event, but we didn't have that.

"We liberated people's interest, enthusiasm, drive and skills and capacity – I would like to congratulate the people who took part and made it successful, congratulate the officers who did it on very little money and reinforce the fact we're very happy to talk to other cities that want to learn and adapt from our experiences."

Fellow cabinet members also paid tribute to all involved in the centenary events.

Chris Robinson said: "When you look at it, it shows what this city's about. It was done on very little money but it shows our community diversity and everyone who got involved that day – it shows me what is great about this city."

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough said: "The tea party was absolutely brilliant and I thought it was good fun. Our special council meeting, where we gave 10 people the Freedom of the City, was a really moving event and I was so honoured to be given the chance to speak at that meeting.

"I'm not from Stoke but I've spent most of my life here and I felt a real Stokie over that year.

"It was a great year and we did it with very little money, so it depended purely on the actions of people around the city getting engaged and taking part in it.

"Congratulations to anybody and everybody who was involved in it over the year."

Deputy leader Amjid Wazir said: "It was an excellent year for us and our officers made such a good job. Don't forget the Lord Mayors, I think they did a brilliant job bringing all the communities together so I would like to thank them as well.

"So many people came out who never normally come out. Even though it was awful weather on the march, people were out there enjoying themselves and it was a great event.

"I hope we have future events too to keep the city united."

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker said: "I remember on the day we had the centenary parade, I walked from my house, down Regent Road, and there were people opening their doors to see what was going on.

"Even though it was pouring down with rain, they went out and all took part and it was really fantastic to see people from all parts of our city come together – not just for the parade but throughout the year and since, with all the work that's going on to continue the legacy of the centenary.

"It really did show the best of Stoke-on-Trent."