Victorian tea party set to attract 1,200 guests in aid of hospital charity

UP to 1,200 guests are expected to attend a Victorian tea party in West Cork which lasts for three days and features a butler in top hat and tails and a bevy of lace-capped parlour maids.

Guests attending what is being billed as a “unique and unforgettable experience” and the first of its kind in this country, will be greeted on arrival by a butler.

They will dine off antique Edwardian and Victorian china and old silver-ware, and enjoy the attention of Victorian-style maids, complete with authentic black dresses, and traditional lace- trimmed aprons and caps.

“Some of the china is hundreds of years old. It will be a mix of Edwardian and Victorian china, which is very beautiful. It is exquisite,” said Catherine White, one of the organisers of the event.

“The interest in attending has been phenomenal. It’s just so different from anything organised in the past.”

Guests attending the Victorian tea party, which runs at Cox’s Hall in Dunmanway this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will enjoy delicate cakes and sandwiches arrayed on ornate cake-stands and freshly-brewed tea served in antique teapots.

The event, which is expected to raise more than €10,000 for Dunmanway Community Hospital and is predicted to cater for up to 400 guests each day, will also feature displays of rare china ware, much of it pre-1800.

Ms White, chairperson of the Friends of Dunmanway Community Hospital group and matron at the hospital, said: “The biggest question we get from people who ring up to book is what will happen if they break a cup or a plate.

“The china is valuable, and the lady from whom we have hired the ware has gathered it over the years — we have been told the company usually charges for breakages but because this is for charity, we understand they will not charge. However we ask everyone to be very, very, careful.”

Tickets are €15 each, with discounts available for groups.

Bookings are taken Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm at [phone].