The Great Manx Tea Party is to be held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, at 3pm in aid of charity Housing Matters.

Held for the first time last April, the idea is that as many people as possible hold a tea party at the same time, while joining in competitions and streaming music from the cause’s Facebook page.

Guests can make their own tea or buy one in for collection or delivery from one of the participating suppliers, all of whom will be giving Housing Matters a share of the proceeds on each tea they sell.

A special Facebook page has been set up and people are invited to send in photos of their teas, with prizes for the best theme, the most beautifully decorated table and the most historically interesting tea party related item.

There will also be a tea party themed literary quiz, with a second version for the under-12s.

Even those shielding or in quarantine can join in virtually and see what is going on through the Facebook.

The emphasis is on community and it is hoped that groups of neighbours may arrange ’street’ parties by all having their tea out in their gardens or driveways. Participation is free.

The event last April was a huge success despite being held in lockdown raising more than £6,000 for the charity as hundreds of tea parties took place across the globe.

The background music live streamed on Facebook was viewed 2,500 times.

Housing Matters is a Manx registered charity working with people in housing crisis, providing advice, practical support and guidance. It dealt with 540 cases during 2020, 200 of these were of no fixed abode, including 39 aged under 21.

An additional 405 children were impacted by the situation of the 540 cases.

The charity added: ’Covid 19 has made the situation worse: sofa-surfing is difficult under lockdown rules, domestic violence has increased, many people are under financial pressure through work restrictions and job losses.

’To quote one of last year’s guests: "Having any roof over your head is fundamental; having one you can call home is a gift. Most people are two wages away from being homeless, please remember, it can happen to anyone, even you."’

Donations can be made online through the donate button at www.housingmatters.im

You can find out more about the The Great Manx Tea Party on Facebook.