The Big Lunch!

So, how many of us really know our neighbours? It can be hard to integrate into a community, whether we are new to the area or have been born and bred there, and a nationwide event dreamed up by the folks at the Eden Project aims to help remedy that.

The Big Lunch is an initiative to get people talking to each other - a chance to get to know people we may otherwise pass by in the street everyday without so much as a 'Hello'. On the 19th July there will be street parties all over the UK, open to all local residents who are simply asked to contribute what they can, be it food, drink, music, decorations, and sit down together for lunch.

The concept of a community gathering together to eat, often in the open air, is nothing new to us Brits. There have been events like this throughout the last century; on VE day in 1945, in 1937 for George VI's Coronation, The Queen's Silver and Golden Jubilees in 1977/87, the Festival of Britain in 1951, and the annual Obby Oss and Furry Dance days (amongst others) here in Cornwall. The Big Lunch is continuing in this great British tradition and aims to revive the community spirit inherent to these events which is sadly so often lacking today.

Kate Groves of The Big Lunch explains the concept further;

"We are encouraging as many people as possible to sit and eat with

their neighbours... we are trying to strengthen communities through

social cohesion and hope the event will have a longer lasting legacy,

perhaps helping to alleviate social problems."

As a community based, people-led website, Falmouth People is keen to get involved in the event and we will be hosting our own Big Lunch in Falmouth so watch this space for more details coming soon! You can read more about the project on The Big Lunch website.

In the meantime, it would be great to hear from any local food growers/producers, coffee shops, musicians, entertainers and anyone else who is willing to come along and help out - and we want to know what you think so please add your comments below!