Big Lunch, Big Community and Human Warming

In this day and age when communities have weakened, there are too many of us leading lonely or isolated lives and we just don’t know our neighbours anymore, some streets around the UK have been starting a Jubilee style party revolution.

The idea of The Big Lunch was conceived at The Eden Project and came to life with the first annual event happening in July 2009 with over 8,000 events taking place involving more than 730,000 people. This year it’s just got bigger and better with over a million people taking part with different generations and nationalities coming together in diverse, activity filled, food fests up and down the country.

Antony Goodman, from Banbury in Oxfordshire tells us how he and some neighbours in Queens Road, got 250 people joining in on their street this year.

How did it all start?

AG: It all started with the vision of a local guy on my street, Tim Tarby-Donald, who thought it was a great idea and began by contacting some of his friends. He got some of us involved to help organise it, although last year we didn’t leave ourselves an awful lot of preparation time. This year we got going in March to prepare for the July date.

How were responsibilities shared?

AG: We had an organising committee who met every few weeks and shared out the tasks. Tim chaired the committee and we typically had 10 to 15 people at the meetings. Different responsibilities such as bouncy castle, food on the day, music and the ice cream stall were then shared out based on people’s interests or expertise.

What did you have arranged for the day?

AG: We had live music from local bands including a folk fiddle band, an indie rock band and a girl and her guitar as well as a DJ.  We had a Kid’s Zone with activities for the kids such as face painting, bouncy castle, our local police officers were there and were entertaining the kids by getting them handcuffed in the back of the car and the fire brigade were there giving hose demonstrations and letting kids (and adults alike) have a go. Our local services are really friendly and were very keen to participate.

We also had a green and thrifty focus with stalls offering free energy reduction advice such as how to get grants to insulate your loft, and advice for homes and businesses on recycling.

Our Washing Line of Wishes also gave residents the opportunity to post ideas and wishes for things they would like to see in our street. Some of this year’s wishes included a babysitting circle, a book club, a toddlers group, a Christmas party for children and adults and The Skills Exchange which might get launched with a new community website.

So, what was the cost of the event and how did you raise the money?

AG: We were lucky with our first Big Lunch as lots of people gave us things for free and the council waivered fees for blocking off the street etc. This year we had a few more costs but the cost of the total event was between £500 and £600. There was a suggested donation for each household of £10 – some people gave more and some didn’t have the means but it was just a suggested amount.

We organised various fundraising events along the way including BBQs and fundraising pub quizzes which were fun and really increased the social aspect of the organisation of the event. As well as covering our costs we raised £400 for our local homeless charity BHYP and we still have a little bit left over to kick start next year’s event.

What was the best thing about the day?

AG: It was definitely the social aspect. The activities were great but getting to know people was brilliant. Our street is pretty friendly and we knew quite a few people in our own demographic – 30somethings with kids – but it was good on the day to meet lots of different people, older, younger, single, couple without kids etc.

Your street sounds really friendly and up for it, what would you say to someone who lives on street that doesn’t feel that friendly or integrated?

AG: I think you’ll find maybe it is friendly but you’re just not part of it yet.

Sometimes people have lived in a street for 20 years and see so many people come and go they might see people as temporary or outsiders but I suppose what’s nice about these type of events is that they really bring neighbours together and let us celebrate the richness and diversity of our neighbourhoods.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing the same thing?

AG: Definitely do it because it’s really good fun. Start early and don’t leave the organisation until tool late. Go to www.thebiglunch.com to get free advice and lots of inspiration.

If you’re interested in joining in and opening up your door to a more inclusive and cohesive society, click here to find out more about the party revolution sweeping the nation.