With months to go until the coronation of King Charles III, some are already getting in the spirit as organisers behind the Coronation Big Lunch release a free party pack to bring communities across the nation together.
The free packs are for people looking to hold a street party or community event to join in the celebrations of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation weekend between 6-8 May.
The Eden Project is behind The Big Lunch, which is an educational charity and social enterprise based in Cornwall to build relationships between people and the natural world. The Big Lunch, which The National Lottery supports, has a digital resource guide to make sure everyone has access to the best tips when planning their celebration. The guide includes advice, conversation starters, craft templates, games, invitations, and even a recipe from the Great British Bake-Off winner, Giuseppe Dell’Anno.
Recognising a need for environmentally friendly highs and a higher cost of living, the website for The Big Lunch is also providing ways to hold more sustainable and affordable events. Some tips include sharing more, recycling, up-cycling, and using cost-effective resources.
Peter Stewart LVO, the Chief Purpose Officer at the Eden Project, released a statement regarding the free packs:
“The Coronation weekend in May will be an amazing celebration and we’re inviting everyone to be of part history by joining in with a Big Lunch. You could have a cuppa and a biscuit with a neighbour, host a back garden BBQ or get together for a street party – it’s up to you. Our free Big Lunch packs are designed to support organisers – whether it’s your first time or an annual occasion for your street – with planning tips, invitations, posters, recipes and activities to get the fun started! Give your community something special to look forward to and get your free pack now at CoronationBigLunch.com.”
Tens of thousands of events are expected to take place across the nation for His and Her Majesty’s Coronation bringing communities, neighbours, and the nation together in friendship and celebration while also celebrating the historic occasion.
In June 2022, 11 million took part in The Big Jubilee Lunch, which helped people feel less lonely; 92% of organisers say the lunch had a positive impact on the community. In addition, almost two-thirds of people who took part say they were encouraged to become more involved in voluntary work.
The Big Lunch is the nation’s annual community celebration for neighbours and communities where millions come together as a nationwide act of friendship on the first weekend in June every year since 2009. Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch since 2013.
