12:25, 22 April 2021
Words by Smiley Team, Staff Writer, London
The pandemic forced communities into lockdown and increased feelings of isolation and loneliness - but The Big Lunch project is aimed at encouraging everyone to enjoy a socially safe get-together this summer.
The Big Lunch was the brainchild of The Eden Project, an eco visitor attraction in Cornwall, and supported by National Lottery funding they hope to reach millions of people around the country this summer, and encourage them to get together for lunch.
Whether it’s an outdoor family picnic, a barbecue in the garden with neighbours or simply sharing a cup of tea or a sandwich with a friend at the end of a driveway, organisers hope to encourage people to reconnect, socialise and make new friends.
Last year more than four million people took part in digital dining with The Big Lunch, but it’s hoped more contact will be possible this year. The event kicks off on 5 June and will run for a month, with people encouraged to download free packs and find out more information, including recipes and arts and crafts ideas, from the website.
Peter Stewart, executive director of the Eden Project (founders of The Big Lunch) said: “The past 12 months have been incredibly tough. The idea of things opening up again and us being able to get together, chat and even hug brings with it natural anxieties as well as anticipation and excitement.
“This year we want to support people and communities as we emerge from the toughest of times and start to reconnect with the world around us.
“That is why this year The Big Lunch is spreading out across a whole month of community, giving people the chance to ease themselves back into socialising with a focus on neighbours and community.”
TV presenter Saira Khan is supporting the initiative as an ambassador. She added: “Millions of us are now closer to our neighbours than before the pandemic, so what better way to celebrate that friendship than by having a socially-safe bite to eat together.
“Online, on the doorstep, over the fence - it’s on!”
Find out more at the biglunch.com or follow them on Twitter.
