Making history: an extraordinary Big Jubilee Lunch
On average, seven million people take part in The Big Lunch across the UK every year. In June this year, we had the honour of being part of the official celebrations for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and once again invited communities to hold a Big Jubilee Lunch. An incredible 17.2 million people – one in four of the UK population – took part over the extended Jubilee Weekend. The celebrations varied from small
get-togethers in gardens and driveways to huge, traditional street parties and festivals that brought whole villages and towns together. Although not officially a fundraiser, many Big Lunches are used to raise vital funds for local causes, a staggering £22.2 million was raised this year.
The longest Big Lunch was held across an 800-metre picnic table on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, closely followed by one in Morecambe Bay, where 762 metres of tables were laid out on the seafront. The biggest event brought 10,000 people together for a massive multicultural celebration in Preston. In London, the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall (Patron of The Big Lunch), joined a special Big Jubilee Lunch for 400 guests at The Oval cricket ground.
Independent research has shown that the biggest-ever Big Lunch also delivered huge benefits for the communities that took part. The seemingly simple act of getting together with neighbours helps integrate people and reduce isolation. Ninety-one
percent of organisers said it’s a good way to bring people with different backgrounds together and 11.7 million participants said they feel less lonely. The impact is felt after the bunting is packed away too – 75% of participants said they’d be more likely to lend a neighbour a hand and 66% want to keep in touch with people they met. Following the pandemic, and amid
a cost-of-living crisis, community connection is needed now more than ever. It’s time to rally together, look out for one another and help those who might be struggling, which is why The Big Lunch at Christmas is here to give us another opportunity to connect. Kate Groves
Find out more at
www.thebiglunch.com
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