We’re delighted to now be able to announce that a record-breaking eight and a half million people across the UK sat down for a Big Lunch this year. The independently verified* figure is two and a half million more than we predicted and six and a half million more people than took part in last year’s Big Lunch. Simply amazing!
Events were held right across the UK on Sunday 3rd June – from the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides to the Isle of Wight, and from Hillsborough Castle in County Down to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
In London’s Piccadilly, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (who is Patron of The Big Jubilee Lunch – part of this year’s Diamond Jubilee events programme) joined hundreds of people getting together for a public Big Jubilee Lunch. The Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie visited two lunches in West London, while Prime Minister David Cameron attended a lunch hosted by Downing Street.
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As in previous years, the tens of thousands of Big Lunches took many forms, from traditional street parties to picnic lunches in back gardens or local parks. Lunches ranged in size from private gatherings to larger public lunches for thousands of people.
Our Director, Peter Stewart, said: “From a simple idea out of the Eden Project in 2009, The Big Lunch has really captured the nation’s imagination this year, bringing together neighbours to share lunch and a few hours of community, friendship and fun.
“I hope that those Lunches that were held to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee will have acted as a catalyst for people creating lasting friendships with their neighbours and starting other community-based activities, such as babysitting circles, reading groups and helping elderly neighbours with everyday chores.”
If you haven’t taken part in a Big Lunch yet, make sure you get involved in next year’s event which will take place on Sunday 2nd June 2013. Get inspired! Read stories about this year’s Big Lunch here.
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*Havas Sponsorship Insights
