By Joshua Robinson –
On Wednesday 21st February, The Big Lunch 2024 was launched with brand new resources. Following The Big Jubilee Lunch and Coronation Big Lunch, this year everyone is invited to join in The Big Lunch on 1st – 2nd June.
Spearheaded by the Eden Project, The Big Lunch can be an opportunity for people to share, from food and conversation to music and laughter. It aims to create friendships, increase belonging, and help new neighbours feel welcome.
In 2023, with media support and help from ambassadors including Mel Giedroyc, Ainsley Harriott, and Prue Leith, more than 14 million people took part. The Eden Project’s research shows that 65% of those who did feel less lonely as a result, 75% said they feel a stronger sense of community spirit, and the same number said they are more likely to give time to help neighbours or good causes. Since 2015, £87m has been raised by organisers at Big Lunch events for causes that matter to them.
Every year millions of people join in to share food at street parties, park picnics, garden-get-togethers, and back-yard BBQs, so some of the UK’s best-known chefs, cooks, and bakers will be offering up recipes. They’ll inspire everyone to experiment with low-cost and green dishes that anyone can make. Some of the chefs involved include Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers, Big Zuu, Joe Wicks, Manon Lagreve, Syabira Yusoff (GBBO), Suzanne Mulholland (The Batch Lady), and Ben Ebbrell.
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Giuseppe Dell’Anno, Great British Bake-Off winner and food writer, said: “The celebrations for the Jubilee and Coronation gave us great reasons to share a Big Lunch in our communities. But this year we don’t need an excuse to get together with friends and neighbours. The Big Lunch is all about the fun of sharing food and making new connections. It brings people together. So, get your diaries out and save the date to join in The Big Lunch on 1-2 June. You can download a free pack and find everything you need to get the party started at TheBigLunch.com”
Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Programme Director responsible for The Big Lunch, said: “Since 2010, we’ve been bringing people together to create happier and healthier communities thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes right across the UK. The Big Lunch is all about sharing friendship, food and fun and this year we’re also sharing top tips to help make 2024 the greenest Big Lunch ever! From great planet friendly food to share, upcycled decorations to make, street games to play and tips for what you can grow or sow in your street – there are so many ways to join in, with our tips and resources you need to get the party started all free at TheBigLunch.com. Everyone has something they can bring to the table so get involved and start sharing ideas with your community!”
The Big Lunch is the UK’s community get-together that’s good for people and the planet, bringing friendship, food and fun to neighbourhoods on 1st – 2nd June. It’s an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery.
The Big Lunch kicks off the Month of Community when good causes come together to celebrate community, encourage action, and fundraise annually throughout June.
Everyone is invited to The Big Lunch, for free tips and resources please visit: https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch
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