International Tea Day Brings Lincoln Communities Together

Lincoln communities came together today to celebrate culture, conversation and connection at a special International Tea Day Celebration, embracing the spirit of “Diverse Tea, Diverse City.”

The event, organised by Dialogue Society, hosted by the Centre for Reconciliation, and delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Food Partnership, welcomed 68 attendees from across Lincoln’s many communities for an afternoon of tea tasting, cultural exchange and friendship at Central Methodist Church.

Guests enjoyed tasting teas from around the world, learning about traditions, flavours and customs from different cultures. Following enthusiastic participation from attendees, Iranian tea was voted the favourite of the day, with Turkish tea taking second place.

The afternoon also featured opportunities for conversation, cultural appreciation and community building, with attendees sharing stories, enjoying music and experiencing traditions from different backgrounds. Feedback from participants reflected how meaningful the event was, with many commenting on how interesting and enjoyable it was to experience such a diverse cultural celebration taking place in Lincoln.

Revd Steve Holt, Chair, said:
“The spirit of coming together today has been amazing. It has been inspiring to see people from different cultures, communities and beliefs sharing experiences, conversations and friendship. Events like this show the strength of our city and what can happen when we create spaces that bring people together.”

The event was attended by local councillors, faith and community groups, local residents and organisations from across the city, highlighting Lincoln’s continued commitment to inclusion, dialogue and community cohesion.

Special thanks go to everyone who made the celebration possible. Appreciation is extended to Dialogue Society for organising the event, the Centre for Reconciliation for hosting, and Fine Tea Merchants Ltd for their sponsorship and support. A special thank you is also extended to Hilal from Dialogue Society for helping coordinate the event, as well as to all volunteers whose time, effort and enthusiasm helped create such a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day.

The message from the day was clear: community spirit and togetherness matter — and sometimes, something as simple as a cup of tea can bring people together.