Buy the bunting, arrange the tables and prepare some party food ahead of a fun-filled community catch-up returning to Croydon this summer.

Neighbours across the borough are being urged to start planning now as the annual Big Lunch returns to Croydon for the 12th year running. The event encourages residents to get to know each other and share food, fun and friendship over a community-led street party.

The Big Lunch will take place over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, and the council will cover the cost of any road closures to enable Big Lunch street parties to go ahead, as well as providing necessary road closure signage.

Big Lunch parties could take place on appropriate streets or in one of the council’s parks. Last year the borough hosted 64 Big Lunches.

“The Big Lunch is a fantastic event and we are delighted we can continue to support it because it offers residents across Croydon an important opportunity to come together with their neighbours in celebration.

“Once again we will do everything we can to support Big Lunches right across the borough. If you’d like to organise a Big Lunch street party then please get in touch.”

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities

To hold a street or park party as part of the Big Lunch, please submit the online party event form. For the application deadline and answers to frequently asked questions, or a list of available green spaces, please visit the council’s website.

The Big Lunch website also has an FAQ section, offering advice on a range of issues, including public liability insurance with discounts arranged with insurers.