THE Somerset charity Thrive is celebrating 100 Years of community support with county-wide ‘CommuniTea Party’ events.

It is inviting people across Somerset to raise a cuppa together on Somerset Day weekend, May 10 and 11, as the charity marks its centenary year with a series of community tea parties.

Working in partnership with Somerset Day, Thrive, previously called the Community Council for Somerset (CCS), is celebrating ‘community connection’.

The special anniversary celebrates 100 years of supporting people, building community, and helping Somerset to thrive.

For a whole century, Thrive has worked alongside communities to reduce isolation, strengthen local action, and support people when they need it most.

As part of the celebrations, local groups, organisations, and residents are encouraged to host or join a ‘CommuniTea Party’, a simple, welcoming gathering where people can connect, celebrate, and spend time together.

Taking place over the Somerset Day 2026 weekend and beyond, the events aim to bring neighbours together and highlight the strength, resilience, and warmth found in communities across the county.

A spokesperson said: “Hosting a ‘CommuniTea Party’ could not be simpler.

“All you need is a kettle, a few mugs, a welcoming space and a sprinkling of community spirit.

“To help groups bring their events to life, Thrive has created a free activity pack filled with promotional materials, games, and crafts designed to make hosting your own ‘CommuniTea Party’ easy and fun.”

Thrive chief executive Val Bishop said: “Our centenary year is a moment to recognise the extraordinary people and communities that make Somerset such a special place.

“For 100 years, Thrive has worked alongside residents, supporting those who need it most and helping local groups bring their ideas to life.

“The ‘CommuniTea Parties’ capture what our work is all about, connecting, kindness, and community spirit.

“We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the people who have shaped our history and continue to shape our future.”

Anybody who wants to be involved in the event can visit the Thrive website to download an activity pack containing free templates for people to host their own event, or they can find their nearest ‘CommuniTea Party’.

Ms Bishop said: “We believe everybody in Somerset should be able to live a healthy, independent, and safe life and be part of a strong and thriving community.

“Our work starts on the ground, where our teams act as advocates using their local expertise to ensure that each community and its people flourish.

“Somerset is diverse and vibrant, and we recognise each town and village is unique.

“We respond to the changing needs of each community by working collaboratively to facilitate projects and enterprises that support positive change and add value throughout the county.”

CCS, now called Thrive, was established in 1926 and is part of the Action with Communities in Rural England Network (ACRE), the largest rural grouping of community support agencies in England.

Somerset Day celebrations take place across the second weekend in May, bringing communities and businesses together to take pride in the county and showcase what it has to offer.