- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesFoodFriendship
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- First weekend of June
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥪
The Big Lunch unites communities across the U.K. on the first weekend of June each year, fostering connections through shared meals and festivities. It’s a cherished tradition where neighbors gather to eat, laugh, and build lasting bonds. Plan your own street party, invite friends, and share in the joy of community spirit.
Want to sponsor The Big Lunch? Learn how
Expected The Big Lunch Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still under wraps, past Big Lunch events have inspired a wave of community-focused deals. Major U.K. supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose often feature special offers on picnic essentials, fresh produce, and party platters. Look for discounts on outdoor dining gear at retailers such as Dunelm and John Lewis. Local bakeries and delis frequently create bespoke Big Lunch hampers and treats. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.
Platform Guide for The Big Lunch
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TheBigLunch. Share vibrant photos of your community’s lunch spread and festive decorations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TheBigLunch. Create an event page for your local gathering and invite neighbors.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TheBigLunch. Film a fun ‘day in the life’ video showing your preparations and the joyful atmosphere.
The Big Lunch Hero
Sir Tim Smit
History of The Big Lunch
The Big Lunch is the U.K.’s thanksgiving weekend where communities and neighbors come together in open spaces or designated places to eat, drink, chat, enjoy each other’s company, and in the process, get to know each other better.
The Big Lunch has been celebrated across the United Kingdom since 2009. The first weekend of June brings communities and neighborhoods together to take pleasure in sharing a meal and increasing the bond between members of society. The event was created and first organized by the Eden Project, an organization in Cornwall, England, that promotes activities aimed at “deepening our collective understanding of the interconnection between all living things and seeing them as a whole…” Since its inception, more than six million people on average, actively participate in The Big Lunch yearly. There is little wonder then that the occasion is one of the most highly engaging events in the U.K.
Every year’s celebration comes with success stories across the nation and more people now participate in the festivities. During the event, new friendships are made and in 2019 alone, about seven million people participated in the gatherings, although numbers declined in the succeeding year to 3.3 million, but only due to the pandemic. Those figures only go to show the massive positive impact of the occasion and the favorable outcomes it has achieved.
In 2022, the celebration of The Big Lunch created a great spectacle because Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee was celebrated in the first week of June, including the month’s first weekend.
The Big Lunch timeline
The Eden Project Community organizes the first Big Lunch.
The Big Lunch is celebrated as a Big Jubilee Lunch in observance of the Queen's diamond platinum celebration.
Seven million people take part in the year's Big Lunch Celebration.
An extra special lunch is held at the Eden center to mark one year until another Big Jubilee Lunch.
How Businesses Can Celebrate The Big Lunch
Local businesses can embrace The Big Lunch by hosting their own community events or offering special deals to participants. Restaurants and cafes could create bespoke picnic hampers or offer outdoor seating for groups. Bakeries might craft themed treats and cakes, while local shops could stock up on party supplies and decorations. Encourage staff to participate in local events and share their experiences on social media to boost community engagement.
The Big Lunch FAQs
When is The Big Lunch?
The Big Lunch 2026 takes place on the first weekend of June, running from Saturday, June 6 to Sunday, June 7. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with neighbors and friends for a shared meal.
How many people participate in The Big Lunch?
Since its inception in 2009, The Big Lunch has grown significantly, with millions of people participating across the U.K. each year. In recent years, approximately 6 million people have taken part annually.
Who organizes The Big Lunch?
The Big Lunch is an initiative of the Eden Project, an educational charity based in Cornwall, England. They launched the event in 2009 with the aim of encouraging community connections and reducing loneliness.
What is the purpose of The Big Lunch?
The primary purpose of The Big Lunch is to foster community spirit and reduce loneliness by encouraging neighbors to meet, share food, and build lasting connections. It’s about bringing people together in a simple, enjoyable way.
The Big Lunch Activities
Invite your neighbors to your doorstep
If you’re feeling sociable enough, invite neighbors over to your house. Prepare a variety of dishes to share over a conversation, and make the most of the opportunity to bond.
Honor a neighbor or community's invite
Even if you’re an introvert, take the opportunity to get out of your shell for just a little while. Accept an invite and join the celebration, you most likely won’t regret it.
Make new friends and connections
Walk up to that quiet neighbor you’ve once passed by. Introduce yourself and ask for their names, this interaction might strike a friendship that will last forever.
5 Facts About The Eden Project That Will Amaze You
It began two decades ago
The Eden Project was established in March 2001.
It cost millions
The construction was an expense of over £100 million.
It was a World Wonder
It was considered the Eighth Wonder of the World at one point in time.
Home to a magnificent indoor forest
It houses the world's largest indoor rainforest.
Its biomes are special
The Eden Project's biomes are made of special plastics.
Why We Love The Big Lunch
It brings people together
The Big Lunch is an avenue for people of different races, cultures, religions, and classes to meet and interact. It breaks the barriers that exist between people of different backgrounds.
It is fun-filled
Aside from eating and interacting, many fun activities are organized during the event. A talent show is an example.
It fosters unity
Communities that actively participate in The Big Lunch are characterized by the unity that is not seen in other places. The Big Lunch fosters a togetherness that is required to face life challenges.
Social Media Tips for The Big Lunch
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