Organise a Big Lunch
Whether it’s a simple cuppa with a few neighbours or a bigger event with your wider community, planning a Big Lunch can be a piece of cake.
Bringing people together to share friendship, food and fun isn’t just a lovely thing to do. The Big Lunch can make a real difference to the communities that take part.
It’s a chance to share cultures, experiences, stories, ideas and skills. Helping people grow local connections and feel a greater sense of belonging where they live.
Check out this video with our top tips on how to plan your own Big Lunch…
From first-timers to seasoned pros, a Big Lunch can come together in a few easy steps…
1) Share the idea and see who’s happy to help
Chatting to a neighbour or two, posting on a local Facebook group or dropping a note through a few letterboxes is a great place to start. Introduce the idea and yourself and let people know they can get involved from the get-go.
The Big Lunch pack is full of handy tips, activities and everything you’ll need to help plan your event. It’s nearly ready and you can sign up now to get it as soon as it’s out!
2) Choose a date
This year, The Big Lunch weekend was 7-8 June. But you can still get involved and bring people together throughout the Month of Community, or throughout the summer!
If lunchtime doesn’t suit, plan an afternoon tea or brighten up the evening with fairy lights. Brunch, lunch or late-night feast, decide on a time that works for your community.
When deciding where to host your Big Lunch think about how many people will be coming along and the kinds of activities you might do.
Big Lunches can take place just about anywhere. Communities have held them in cul-de-sacs, local parks, community centres, village halls, car parks and school playgrounds – even on a boat!
- If it’s outside have a plan for the weather.
- Don’t forget you might need to get permissions for certain venues or apply to close a road.
4) Spread the word
Send out invitations, put up posters (there’s some in The Big Lunch pack) and speak to people when you’re out and about. Let them know it’s happening and that you’d love to see them there!
Posting in local Facebook and WhatsApp groups can help reduce printing and reach even more people.
If you’re planning a bigger event, for anyone to join, why not pop it on our map to help spread the word?
5) Tickle the tastebuds
From sandwiches and samosas to quiche and crisps, invite everybody to bring something to share. You could set a theme, ask odd house numbers to bring savoury and evens to bring sweet or keep it simple with a packed lunch.
Food doesn’t have to be homemade – shop-bought is fine and drinks are always needed. If you do fancy making a dish, our ambassadors and Big Lunchers have shared some easy (and tasty) recipes to try.
6) Get everyone involved
Everybody has something they can bring to the table. Maybe some chairs, cutlery, plates or a game or two? Could someone play music or offer face painting? Why not make decorations together before your Big Lunch, like bunting or paper pom-poms. Or grab some chalk to decorate the pavements?
With everyone chipping in and adding a few little extras it’ll make it fun and give your Big Lunch a real community feel.
7) Decide if you’ll fundraise
Since 2015, over £100 million has been raised at Big Lunch events across the UK, with most going to local charities and causes. It’s an incredible force for good! If you want to add a fundraising twist to your event, why not support the Eden Project – home of The Big Lunch? By fundraising for Eden, you will be helping us take positive action for people and the planet.
Fundraise for the Eden Project
8) Enjoy the day
Help break the ice and get people chatting with Conversation Menus and Human Bingo (you’ll find these in The Big Lunch pack).
Don’t forget to take lots of photos and share your stories and snaps with us by tagging @edencommunities on Facebook and Instagram – we’d love to see them!
The Big Lunch FAQs
Answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Where to hold your Big Lunch
Want to hold a Big Lunch but not quite sure what form…
Beating invite anxiety – how to invite people to your event
If you’re looking to hold your first Big Lunch this year, there’s…
Fundraising at your event
If you want to add a fundraising twist to your event, why…
Fundraising ideas
Easy and achievable fundraising ideas for your Big Lunch (or other event!).
The Big Lunch Recipe Search!
We teamed up with celebrity chefs Briony May Williams, Dame Prue Leith and Ainsley Harriott to run The Big Lunch Recipe Search – to uncover the UK’s favourite shareable recipes that inspire us all to come together for The Big Lunch on 7 – 8 June. See the finalists in our new Big Lunch Recipe Search Cookbook, showcasing fantastic dishes from across the UK for you to try your hand at this summer!
Did you know we’re a charity?
We rely on funding to keep our annual programme of courses, events, and The Big Lunch free and accessible to all.
A gift from you, no matter how small, helps us support the amazing people transforming their communities.
Where next?
How to get insurance for your Big Lunch or project
If you need insurance for your event, take a look at the…
Get your Big Lunch Pack
The Big Lunch is our chance to celebrate community connections and get…
Hold a greener Big Lunch
Top tips on upcycling, brilliant leftovers and community sharing.
Recipes
Recipe ideas suitable for every occasion, whether you need easy make-ahead recipes…