Thousands of 'Eden Project big lunches' hosted across the UK
The events, organised by Eden Project Communities, include green-themed get-togethers, traditional street parties and fundraising festivities
Big Lunches are taking place across Cornwall this weekend with thousands expected to be hosted across the UK in streets, villages, parks and communities.
The annual event, organised by Eden Project Communities on 1st and 2nd June, includes green-themed get-togethers, traditional street parties and fundraising festivities.
Since it started in 2009, an average of 7 million people take part in The Big Lunch each year, making it the biggest annual act of community friendship in the UK. It’s an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery.
"81% felt less lonely"
Lindsey Brummitt MVO, Programme Director at Eden Project who are behind The Big Lunch, said: "We’re so excited about this year’s Big Lunch, when we’re hoping people across the country will turn out in full force, come rain or shine, to share a bite to eat together and get to know each other better! Our research shows that 81% of people who joined in last year felt less lonely as a result, and that 75% were more likely to give time to help their neighbours. So, whether you want to pop along to your local street party, go green at a Big Lunch in nature, or you just want to enjoy a cuppa with a neighbour, it’s never too late to join in.
"75% were more likely to give time to help their neighbours"
"Communities joining in with this year’s green theme include a special Big Lunch at the Eco Therapy Garden in Merseyside, where guests can enjoy planting and growing activities, a Sow and Grow Big Lunch in Kirkcaldy, Scotland and a primary school in Belfast holding a tea party to officially open their Pollinator Garden. In Cleethorpes, a community is marking their 10th Big Lunch as part of their local park group, while an allotment in Tamworth has been preparing for their Big Lunch for months by growing their own veggies to serve on the big day!"
Community hubs are joining in too, with Big Lunch sponsors Greene King hosting events at 300 pubs across the UK. One of the pub chain’s many events includes a special get-together for a health and wellbeing group at The Tamar in Plymouth, which will see the pub reach out to people feeling isolated in the community. In Glasgow, The Maltman is getting involved too with an invitation to enjoy a Big Lunch for humans and furry friends alike, with ‘puppucinos’ offered to any dogs attending.
With £87m raised for good causes at Big Lunch events since 2015, communities are continuing to support the causes that matter to them as part of their celebrations. A British Legion care home in Warwickshire is joining forces with food bank volunteers at a D-Day themed Big Lunch, while in the small village of Burn, people are preparing for their annual Big Lunch, which will this year see local lorry driver Stuart Davison thank the village for all its support for his humanitarian aid trips over the last two years and ask for help once again for his 13th visit to Ukraine to deliver supplies.
Sonia Hearld organises Burn’s annual Big Lunch and said: "The Big Lunch has been a staple for our community since it launched in 2009, and it’s made a huge difference to our rural village, which has struggled with isolation in the past. Each year, our local pub car park is decked in bunting and filled with music, games and food. Everyone It’s a chance to celebrate, meet new people but most importantly, to raise funds for charity. We’re so proud of the money we’ve raised over the years - when communities come together, amazing things really can happen."
You can find more information on the Big Lunch website. |newtab)