Residents are being given two opportunities this year to hang up the bunting, get out the trestle tables, cook up some party food and join in with their neighbours for a great community get-together.
In addition to the annual Big Lunch, which gets people to mix with and get to know their fellow residents over the course of a weekend of shared food, fun and friendship, this year the council is encouraging everybody to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding with a community street party.
The royal wedding takes place on Saturday 19 May, and this year’s Big Lunch weekend is scheduled for 2 and 3 June, and, to make organising street parties as easy and accessible as possible, the council is committed to covering the cost of Traffic Management Orders required for any necessary road closures.
Sitting down to break bread is a simple, yet profound, act of community that can have a real impact – research shows that when people get involved, they feel good, and it has a noticeable effect on their area.
It is important that anybody planning to hold an event reads the page of frequently asked questions and completes and submits the online party event form by Friday 20 April for royal wedding street parties, or Friday 4 May for Big Lunch events. Please note the form is for use only in connection with royal wedding or Big Lunch street parties.
Julian Ellerby, director with responsibility for communities, said: “The Big Lunch is always a popular event in the Croydon calendar, giving residents the opportunity to meet, chat, eat and, who knows, maybe dance with neighbours they don’t get a chance to interact with on a regular basis because of the busy lives we all lead.
“This year, residents are being given a second chance to get into their street party outfits by celebrating the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“I’d say to anybody thinking about organising a royal wedding party or a Big Lunch – in their street, on a local green, in their block of flats, or at their community centre – to go right ahead. You’ll have a good time, make new friends and, possibly, get to sample food you’ve never previously tasted.”
For details of last year’s events, or to gain inspiration and information on organising such occasions, visit The Big Lunch website.
