Author:Katie Wickison-Mapp

This 2026 report by Public First reveals what public opinion suggests about local pride, togetherness and the national mood

A woman wearing a Big Lunch t-shirt smiles at the camera, standing next to a young girl doing a craft activity.

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Community and volunteering – the key to a new sense of national optimism

This 2026 report by Public First reveals what public opinion suggests about local pride, togetherness and the national mood

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Community spirit shines through for The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out 2026

Millions of people turned out for The Big Lunch 2025 - our celebration for neighbours and communities.
A man smiles in front of a group of people at a sunny Big Lunch. They're in a greenspace in an urban setting.

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Getting over the first hurdle – how to start organising

When we hear the words ‘community organising’, thoughts of committees, funding bids, high-vis jackets and clipboards spring to mind. But…
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His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen mark the Eden Project’s 25th birthday by launching UK-wide celebration of community

On 24 March, HM The King and HM The Queen visited the Eden Project to mark our 25th anniversary and…
HM The King and The Federal President of Germany standing together, with people surrounding. There is bunting overhead.

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Countries unite in volunteering in German state visit hosted by HM The King and HM The Queen

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of The Big Lunch since 2013, were joined at Windsor…
Woman dancing with her baby at a street party community Big Lunch

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The impact of Eden Project Communities – results from the Belong Report

We commissioned Belong to evaluate the impact of The Big Lunch and our communities programme over the duration of our…
Kids smiling and running towards camera in a grassy area

Nature and environment

Outside play for your summer holiday activities 

Hoping to get the family playing outdoors this summer? Here are our top ideas for outside play, from setting up…
Woman holding a little girl at a street party. The sun is shining, tables are filled with chatting people and colourful bunting crosses the scene. New Cross Big Lunch 2024

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A cracking Big Lunch 2024!

Millions of people turned out for this year's Big Lunch - our celebration for neighbours and communities.
Vintage picture of street party

Loneliness and isolation

Street party heritage and why it matters

Where did our love of bringing our celebrating together outside come from? Sarah Boniface, our Head of PR and Campaigns,…
Two children post with their arms up next to the dancing Eric Morecambe statue. They're holding red, white and blue balloons and holding Union Jack flags, as part of the Coronation Big Lunch celebrations.

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Coronation Big Lunch celebrated by millions

The numbers are in... almost 1 in 5 people took part in the Coronation celebrations with a Coronation Big Lunch!
group of children sitting outside with party food

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Closing the Distance Between Us – report

A new research report has identified a widening gap in the relationship between people and their neighbours that is damaging…
A little girl smiling and holding up a sprout

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Eight ways to enjoy our winter warmer ideas in schools  

Easy, free winter ideas for teachers to spread joy in schools over the festive season.