50 days left to organise the Big Lunch event

It is the UK’s biggest annual event for neighbours and The Big Lunch is urging everyone to join in on June 2.

“Often when local people come together to plan something they share good ideas. This year in Northern Ireland if you order a free pack to plan a Big Lunch on your street or community you could win £1000, which could help bring good ideas to life in your neighbourhood. So order your free pack and get planning your neighbourhood get together,” said a spokesperson for the organisers.

Recent research from The Big Lunch showed that 78 per cent of people in Northern Ireland are crying out for more community spirit in their area and, with 91 per cent of the 8.5 million people that took part in last year’s Big Lunch feeling closer to their neighbours as a result, holding a Big Lunch is clearly a great place to start.

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people in the UK as possible to get together with their neighbours once a year. With free starter packs available to request online including posters, invitations and information on how to have a Big Lunch at low cost, there’s no reason for people of County Armagh not to get their neighbours, friends and relatives together for a day of friendship, community and fun this June.

The Lottery-funded initiative, now in its fifth year, has been growing every year, with more and more people from County Armagh taking part last year than ever before. Not started planning yet? Don’t worry, Big Lunches can be big or small, and take place on a street, garden or community space, anywhere where neighbours can get together.

With 50 days to go, there’s plenty of time to join in, with many tips for doing so available online at www.thebiglunch.com. In fact, organising a Big Lunch is easier than you think; all you need to do is follow a few simple steps: 1.Settle on a venue, anywhere from a street to a garden or local community space 2.Close your road, contact your local representative for advice 3.Invite your neighbours, with free invitations available from The Big Lunch website 4.Decide on the food, such as a bring-your-own picnic or a barbeque 5. Arrange your decorations and music, with bunting templates available online

Sir Tim Smith, Co-founder of The Big Lunch, said: “The Big Lunch is all about getting together and having fun. It doesn’t have to be a big event, even a small get-together in your garden or on your street is a great way to get neighbours talking, sharing conversation, skills, resources – and, of course, the vital ingredient - food! It’s not too late to take part in this year’s event on 2 June so why not sign up now for your free pack and get your own event started!”

For further information or to request your free pack including posters, invitations, a planner and other materials to help organise your Big Lunch, visit: www.thebiglunch.com or contact your local representative [email protected]