Eight hosts English-inspired tea party, featuring "Downton Abbey" season 5 preview – Dec. 13

PHOENIX — (Nov. 24, 2014) Eight, Arizona PBS celebrates the upcoming season of “Downton Abbey” in proper English fashion, welcoming viewers to step aboard a red double-decker London bus featuring a pop-up tea party complete with English tea and scones before a sneak preview of the highly anticipated season 5 of “Downton Abbey” on Dec. 13. Downton devotees are encouraged to join fans around the nation and poise their pinkies at Eight’s #BigSip, at 1 p.m. Following the tea party, Eight will host two exclusive public screenings of “Downton Abbey’s” season 5 on Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m in Eight’s Studio A. Open to the public, Eight’s Big Sip transports Downton fans to England for the afternoon via a vintage Routemaster bus. The red double-decker bus is a British cultural icon and a perfect photo opportunity. Attendees can mingle with other die-hard Downton fans while sipping tea from official “Downton Abbey” cups and eating scones. Following the Big Sip, Eight presents an hour-long sneak peek into the highly anticipated season 5 of “Downton Abbey.” Season 4 left fans wondering if the widowed Lady Mary could move past her husband’s death, if Lady Edith would keep her child, and if the privileged residents of Downton could continue to climb the social hierarchy. In the history of PBS dramas, “Downton Abbey” is the most-watched series. Nationwide fans eagerly await the season 5 premiere on Jan. 4 at 8 p.m.

This event is supported locally by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. Seating is limited. Guests can register at www.azpbs.org/downton. Eight’s studios are located at 555 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

About Eight, Arizona PBS

Eight, Arizona PBS is a trusted community resource.  For over 52 years, the PBS station has focused on educating children, reporting in-depth on public affairs, fostering lifelong learning and celebrating arts and culture. Eight achieves its mission through the power of non-commercial television, the Internet, educational outreach and community-based initiatives. Its signal reaches 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. With more than 1 million viewers weekly, Eight consistently ranks among the most-viewed public television stations per capita in the country. For more information, visit azpbs.org.

Eight is a member-supported community service of Arizona State University and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.