The Queen has encouraged everyone to get out and join their neighbours and friends for the Big Lunch this weekend.
Her Majesty is urging people across the UK to enjoy two days of community celebrations focused on sharing food and company with those living near them.
The Big Lunch is an annual event which sees neighbours hosting special meals and street parties. The aim is to bring people together and help alleviate loneliness as well as raise money for good causes
Queen Camilla is patron of the Big Lunch, a role she took on in 2013.
Ahead of this year’s celebrations, The Queen said ”As the proud Patron of The Big Lunch, I send my warmest good wishes to the millions of people across the country who will be joining their neighbours at picnics and street parties this weekend, sharing food, friendship and fun. I very much hope that you will all have a wonderful time!”
Millions of people are expected to take part in celebrations on June 1st and June 2nd 2024.
Last year, the Big Lunch was held as part of the Coronation celebrations while in 2022 it became part of the Platinum Jubilee.
However, it’s been going much longer, starting in 2007. Since 2015, it has raised over £87 million for good causes as well as bringing people together.
It’s run by the Eden Project. Ahead of this year’s celebrations, the Project’s Programme Director, Lindsay Brummitt, said ”with the support of our patron HM The Queen, it’s been wonderful to see so many people recognising the power of community – and it can all start with a Big Lunch! 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.”
Among the events planned for this year’s Big Lunch are a waterfront party at Bude Sea Pool and a celebration at an allotment in Tamworth where gardeners have been growing the produce for the meal for months.
Helping those experiencing loneliness find companionship is, once more, a main focus. In Plymouth, the Tamar pub will hold an event designed to reach out to people feeling isolated within their community.
The Big Lunch also puts a focus on the environment and sustainability.
This year’s celebrations are also the start of another special campaign called #MonthofCommunity. It will see good causes come together to encourage more community action and raise funds for causes important to local groups.
Anyone wanting to organise a celebration still has time – there is more information at www.TheBigLunch.com.
