How to join in

Get ahead with your planning by browsing our resources below. If you’re planning a Big Lunch soon, this year’s pack is still available for you to use.

Whether you’re an individual, community group, council, school, organisation or business – taking part is fun, easy and for everyone!

Download the 2025 pack

Introduction to Community Action course

Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking and fun, the Introduction to Community Action course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community.

Applications are now open for our next online course, taking place in November.

Two women sharing a moment of connection with a warm hug at a community The Big Lunch

Support The Big Lunch

The Big Lunch isn’t just a great way to bring communities together – it’s also a smart move for councils, housing associations, organisations and businesses.

By bringing people together and giving them an opportunity to connect, The Big Lunch can help your organisation achieve brilliant things – with benefits such as an increased sense of belonging and engagement and reduced social isolation.

Support for businesses

Support for councils and housing associations

“Our Big Lunches are based around what the community want it to be – when there are new neighbours who arrive on the street, they bring new ideas to the table. It’s reinforced our community spirit!”

Ian, Norwich

Impact of The Big Lunch

0 m

people took part in 2025 (that’s 1 in 7 of the UK population)

0 %

say that The Big Lunch made them feel like they belong more in their community

£ 0 m

raised at Big Lunch events for charitable causes since 2015

3 women at a Big Lunch. They're standing next to table full of cakes and food. One woman is cutting a victoria sponge, whilst another is wearing a The Big Lunch apron.

Feeding community spirit

Bringing people together to share friendship, food and fun isn’t just a lovely thing to do. It’s a chance to share cultures, experiences, stories, ideas and skills – helping us all find common ground, grow connections and feel a greater sense of belonging where we live.

Plus, Big Lunches are a great way to fundraise for causes that matter in your community and encourage people to do more locally – from setting up new initiatives to planning events and volunteering. Doing wonders for community spirit!  

Fundraise with your Big Lunch 


What will you bring to the table?

People are the key ingredient of any Big Lunch and we all have something to share – from yummy cakes and pots of tea to music, laughter and bunting!


Month of Community partners, all standing together in a group outside and smiling at the camera. They're holding up signs with the names of their organisations.

Month of Community 

The Big Lunch will once again be part of a whole Month of Community this June and there are plenty of ways you can get involved!

From events and celebrations to ways you can support a variety of charities, campaigns and good causes. Our wonderful partners are putting on a Month of Community with something for everyone this year.

Join in the Month of Community