100 days countdown to the biggest street party ever!

With less than 100 days to go until The Big Lunch 2016, organisers of the UK’s biggest annual get-together for neighbours are inviting residents in Northern Ireland to join in. 

10 million people participating across the UK is the challenge set this year by Sir Tim Smit KBE, who considers The Big Lunch as the perfect way to create HUMAN WARMING.  

Sir Tim's call to action was launched today  – the ‘100 days to go’ mark before the big day. It is hoped that millions of neighbours across the UK will be getting together in an effort to boost community spirit in their neighbourhoods. A massive 7.million+ people took part in the initiative in 2015.

Speaking about the ambitious 2016 target, local representative Grainne Mc Closkey said "Well  never let it be said that the good folk of Northern ireland are not up for a challenge, we tend to thrive when we are in competition, so please register and bring The Big Lunch  to your communities this summer with a street party or local gathering on Sunday 12 June and help spread our Human Warming!"

Now in its eighth year, the idea from the Eden Project, made possible by the Big Lottery Fund, is the perfect recipe for having fun with your neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods.

This year there the main date is on the same day as The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, and as in previous years the free pack is undated to enable neighbours to pick a date that suits everyone to meet up.

Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-Founder of the Eden Project and The Big Lunch, said: “The Big Lunch gives neighbours a reason to come together, this year we are ambitiously aiming for 10 million. It doesn’t matter if you are holding a street party, an afternoon tea, a barbecue, or a picnic in the park – people are the key ingredient and it’s all about connecting people to create stronger communities.”

“Big Lunch participants tell us that The Big Lunch is about more than just enjoying the day. Big Lunches build friendships and create ‘human warming’ – communities where people start to share more, from conversation and ideas, to skills and resources and it makes them stronger.”

Last year people across Northern Ireland organised their Big Lunches in all kinds of places from Rathlin island to Lough Erne and there was a massive increase in community participation all over Belfast including some cross community interface events which recieved media attention. This year you are urged to give it a go where you live and a FREE pack is available to every household to help you get you started!

The Big Lunch works because people can take the idea and use it in the way that works best for them where they live. However big or small, and whatever the theme, the result will be the creation of stronger and happier communities, which is good for the whole of the UK.  

Research on The Big Lunch last year showed that people who take part feel better about where they live and a stronger sense of community as well as feeling less isolated.

We are keen to  hear from anyone considering taking part in Northern ireland, whether it is on your street or as part of a group you belong to and we are also keen to provide you with information about our Big Lunch Extras programme.

The Eden Project started The Big Lunch in 2009 with the belief that we’re better equipped to tackle the challenges we face when we face them together. 

Find out more about The Big Lunch  and get your FREE Pack at www.thebiglunch.com