For the 11th year running residents across Croydon are being given the opportunity to get the bunting and trestle tables out, cook up some party food and celebrate a community get-together with their neighbours.
Croydon Council is encouraging residents to celebrate the annual Big Lunch, which gets people to mix with and get to know their fellow residents over a weekend based around shared food, fun and friendship, with a community street party.
This year’s Big Lunch weekend is scheduled for the weekend of 1/2 June, and, to make organising street parties as easy and accessible as possible, the council is once again committed to covering the cost of Traffic Management Orders required for any necessary temporary road closures. The council will also provide road closure signs, to further save costs for those wishing to celebrate their communities.
It’s not only street parties that can be organised, but park parties too. And as the Big Lunch weekend falls during Ramadan, residents are also encouraged to have a lunar lunch so people have even more opportunities to celebrate.
Last year there were 48 Big Lunches registered with the council, with an additional 19 street parties celebrating the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
“The Big Lunch is always a popular weekend in many Croydon residents’ diaries and in previous years residents across the borough have gained memorable experiences in coming together to share food and celebrate with neighbours.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet up with friends, have a good time, but also make some new friends, which will only make our communities stronger.
“It takes just 10 minutes to apply to hold your street party – but you could also hold a park party, where you would not only be celebrating your community but also the vast array of green spaces we have in the borough.
“Anyone considering taking part in the Big Lunch should sign up without delay – we’re here to help you make your event as successful as it can be.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities
Peter Stewart of the Eden Project is delighted to see Croydon continue to support The Big Lunch in its 11th year. He said: “Every year it keeps getting bigger as more and more people realise the importance of community and the benefit of knowing their neighbours. We’re thrilled to see so many people across Croydon – and indeed across the UK – joining in and having fun as we know The Big Lunch is just a spark that helps to build happier and more resilient communities where people know one another and neighbourhoods thrive.”
To hold a street/park/lunar party as part of the Big Lunch, please submit the online party event form. For the latest application deadlines and answers to frequently asked questions, or a list of available green spaces, please visit www.croydon.gov.uk/biglunch
The Big Lunch website also has an FAQ section, offering advice on a range of issues, including the important subject of public liability insurance. You will also find details of discounts arranged with insurers.
