The Big Lunch
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, with millions of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun. It connects people and encourages friendlier, safer communities where people start to share more – conversations, ideas, skills, resources and friendship.
The Big Lunch 2024 took place on 1 – 2 June, but don’t worry – there’s still time to join in! You can hold a Big Lunch at any time during the year. Our free packs are still available and full of handy downloadable resources and exclusive content to help you plan and host your Big Lunch.
Where could your Big Lunch go?
It’s often the start of something more…
A Big Lunch can be anything from a small gathering in a garden or park to a larger party that involves the whole street.
All sorts of ideas and projects can start with a Big Lunch. This year we’re helping to make The Big Lunch the greenest yet, with top tips, planet-friendly recipes and ideas to swap and share.
Start simple and bring people together to share friendship, food and fun. Who knows where it might lead? We’ve got everything you need to get started.
Pay in your Big Lunch fundraising
If you fundraised for Eden Project with your Big Lunch – thank you so much! You’re an absolute superstar.
When it comes to paying in your Big Lunch fundraising, there’s a couple of options.
Thank you card
Download this card to say thank you to your community
Loneliness and isolation
A cracking Big Lunch 2024!
Millions of people turned out for this year’s Big Lunch – our…
Six ways to keep The Big Lunch spirit alive
If you’re buzzing after The Big Lunch and you’re looking for the…
Plate to Planet – inspiring food connections
Listen to our new podcast
Recipes
Spring vegetable pasta by Joe Wicks
Weather-proofing your Big Lunch
What if it rains (or really, really shines) on your parade?
The greenest Big Lunch challenge – lesson plan and live lesson
To help schools get involved, our education teams have created a simple…
52 sustainable little swaps
Recipes
School cake
Fundraise with The Big Lunch
Thanks to the amazing organisers and neighbourhoods who join in every year, over £87 million has been raised for good causes through Big Lunches since 2015, with more than 3/4 going to local charities or causes. That really is something to celebrate!
Please consider fundraising for the Eden Project with your Big Lunch. Even gifting a small amount of your fundraising pot can help us support more Big Lunches and reconnect communities with nature.
Those who make The Big Lunch possible
As a charity, our varied programme of activities and events, including The Big Lunch, is only possible due to the continuing generosity of our partner organisations.
“Right away, I knew it was a great idea. We live in a close where people didn’t really know each other… it’s all about just talking to your neighbours. After, you can see the brilliant things that come from that.”
Lynda, Essex
Plate to Planet – inspiring food connections
Listen to our new podcast
What we eat has a big impact on our planet. We’ve brought together the best foodie-minds from Eden and WWF-UK to chew over some of the biggest food challenges we’re facing today and look at how small changes can make a big difference.
This year’s Big Lunch is the greenest yet and we’re working with WWF-UK to champion low-cost sustainable dishes that are good for the planet. So, pop on the kettle, grab a bite, and join us for a conversation that’s both delicious and meaningful.
Listen below, or search ‘Plate to Planet’ on Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer!
Impact of The Big Lunch
0.00 m
people joined in last year – that’s 1 in 5 of the population!
0 %
of Big Lunch organisers say that it has had a positive impact on their community
£ 0 m
raised at Big Lunch events since 2015, with around 3/4 going to local causes
