Organise a Big Lunch
A Big Lunch can be anything from a small gathering in a garden, park or driveway, to a larger party with trestle tables down the middle of your street. The idea is that by starting simple, all sorts of friendships, ideas and projects can come out of a Big Lunch. It can lead to people doing more within their community and tackling the issues that matter to them most.
Check out this video with our top tips on how to plan your own Big Lunch...
Organising a Big Lunch doesn't need to be overly complicated, or require a lot of resources or money: it can be as big or as small as you like. Hold one on your doorstep, ask people to come out at the same time, and bring your own snack or drink! Here are some tips to help you get started:
This year, The Coronation Big Lunch will bring millions together over the weekend 6-8 May, but you can also hold your Big Lunch anytime in June, throughout the Month of Community.
Or why not hold a Lunar Lunch? If you or your neighbours are fasting during Ramadan, or working irregular shift patterns, the Lunar Lunch will bring people together after dark and you can feast your way into the night!
Got a local WhatsApp or Facebook group? Use the invitations and posters in your free digital pack to invite the neighbours and spread the word. Use our digital resources to publicise your event and if you're not a member of Nextdoor yet, take a minute to sign up so you can connect with locals that way too. And of course, try to invite people personally, as you'll no doubt find people who want to help with the organising too!
Make bunting using our handy guides and templates - using scraps of old material, plastic bags or the contents of your recycling box. You could ask others to make bits and link them all together. On the day, give the kids some chalk to decorate the pavement. Take a look at a few of our simple ideas for decorations. You could have a prize for the 'best dressed' home!
You could ask everyone to bring something to share, odd numbers bring savory, evens sweet, or keep it simple and safe and just ask people to bring their own lunch. If you have the time, take a look at some simple recipes shared by our ambassadors and Big Lunchers. And check out our Top Tips for a Safe Big Lunch too.
- Try to make sure that your entertainment, games and activities are suitable and safe for all. Here are some great ideas for street party games for all ages and abilities
- Set a time for lunch — so that everyone comes out at the right moment
- Organise some music - you could get everyone to tune into the same radio station and open their windows, or see what local talent there is to organise a little live performance or sing along! Worried about licencing? We've got you covered in our FAQs.
- Worried about the weather? Here's our guide to battling the elements on Big Lunch day
Take plenty photos and, most importantly, have fun!
Lots of people use their Big Lunch to raise awareness or funds for a cause close to their heart, be it for their own community group or a local asset such as a children's play area, or for a bigger, national charity. In 2022 a whopping £22 million pounds was raised at Big Lunch and Big Jubilee Lunch events across the UK, and the majority of that was for local charities and causes.
