The sun shone and people came out in their droves to enjoy the fourth annual Gyllyngdune Tea Festival on Sunday with organisers saying the event typified Falmouth’s community spirit with people pulling together to ensure its success.

A celebration of all things tea, the day provided an eclectic mix of tea tasting, tea dances, pop-up theatre and dance performances, live music and circus performers, cream teas and high teas – all with a serving of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Sally Crabtree also manned her Creativitea Tent where she provided edible poetry and oversaw creative crafts. Mother and daughter team, Penny and Lally Macbeth, were another big hit of the day with people waiting up to an hour to have their tea leaves read.

Among the teas on offer were varieties from Japan and Argentina, as well as the second most expensive tea in China, which was available for tasting. Children from the Cornwall Dance Company, who had spent their summer holidays rehearsing their part, “stole the show” with three performances given throughout the day.

There was also a mix of tea related stalls and exhibitors including Cornish fayre from The Little Cornish Pantry, unique creations for your home from Upscutlery, and a treasure trove of gifts from Cornish Magpie. The gardens also played host to artworks from Penny Macbeth, Rebecca Avery, Joe Wood, Tara Welsman and Dylan Rose.

Jacqui Owen, the gardens’ visitor and education officer, said of the event: “It could not have gone better. There was a real buzz and the feedback I have had has been amazing. The event just typifies Falmouth and its community spirit, with everybody pulling together.

“We were bowled over by people’s generosity, with their time and their generosity of spirit and people seemed to really love it - it was far busier than it normally is on a Sunday.”

In its 100 year history the Princess Pavilion and Gyllyngdune Gardens have had a strong connection with tea.

Once owned by Frederick Horniman, a Victorian tea trader and son of Horniman Tea Company founder, John Horniman, the venue has hosted thousands of tea dances and served afternoon teas for visitors to enjoy.

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