Got a question?
We knew you’d have questions. Just email us if you can’t find the answer below.
Q: What will the date of The Big Lunch 2011 be?
A: We're currently gathering feedback and doing a bit of research, so can't announce the date for next year yet, but we’ll let everyone know through our website and newsletters in the coming month or so.
Q: How do I sign up to The Big Lunch newsletter?
A: You can sign up to our newsletter here
Q. What happened in 2010?
A: The Big Lunch inspired an estimated one million people to have lunch with their neighbours across the UK this year. Watch the film, check out the photos on flickr and Facebook and read all about it here.
Q: Is it too late to organise a Big Lunch this year?
A: The second Big Lunch took place in communities nationwide on Sunday 18th July. If you missed this date but still want to hold a Big Lunch, that’s absolutely fine. A get together with your neighbours can happen at any time that suits you and there’s always next year’s Big Lunch to start planning for…
Q: When should I start planning?
A: Whenever you’re ready. It really depends on what you’ve got in mind. If you’re hoping to have a big do and close your street then it’s a good idea to get on to your local council as early as possible to get this organised, as some require up to 12 weeks’ notice for road closure applications. It’s also good to spark up interest within the community with a couple of months to spare so that people have time to get involved in the planning and organising with you.
Q: Do I need to close my street?
A: Not at all! Any patch of land will do, such as a communal, private or pub garden, local park, driveway, school playground, church, mosque, synagogue gurdwara or temple. But if you do want to close your street you will need to get in touch with the Highways department at your local Council to find out how to go about it. It’s best to do this as early as possible as some councils require a lot of notice for road closures. If you have any problems with your council email us as we’d like to hear about your experience and may be able to help.
Q: Does it have to be a massive party?
A: Absolutely not. Many events in the first two year’s of The Big Lunch were little more than two or three homes getting together. All you need is one guest. We'd still love to hear about it and include your event as part of the national movement.
Q: Do I need to register my event?
A: Yes! If you’re having a Big Lunch in 2011 we want to know. We’ll be launching our new website registration system in the not too distant future so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so that we can let you know when we’re ready for you to register..
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Big Lunches don't need to be expensive. You could simply hold one in a garden (avoiding any council / insurance fees), ask people to bring a pot luck dish, make your own decorations and borrow any furniture. Check out this blog post for low-cost ideas that we came up with 2010. If you're up for a big bash, you could start a kitty with interested neighbours and to set up a donations box on the day to recoup this cash, or even organise a raffle.
Q: Is there any funding?
A: You don’t need a lot of money to have a good time with your neighbours, but there are some grants or funds you can apply to for community based activities. Get in touch with your local Community Foundation to see if there’s anything in your area, or check out Awards for All. Try trusty Google to search for local funding opportunities. Remember that a lot of schemes will have early application deadlines and will require records of how the money was spent, so be prepared.
Q: What if there isn’t a Big Lunch planned in my area?
A: Start your own. Perhaps find one ally on the street who wants to come door knocking with you to see who else wants to get involved.
Q: What materials can you give me?
A: We’re busy making new materials for The Big Lunch 2011 and will let you know via our newsletter when these are ready to download from our website. You can see the leaflets, posters and other resources that were available this year here
Q: What do we sit on and eat off?
A: Use your own stools, chairs, crates, boxes, pouffes or upturned buckets. Lug a sofa out. Or else B&Q, Ikea, Sainsbury’s and other good retailers are never far away and have some value-for-money essentials, such as barbecues, trestle tables, benches and chairs. eBay is always worth a bid for a quid. Or try Freecycle or Freegle to get a street settee for free. You could even join a local lend 'n' borrow group, such as Ecomodo, to share things you might need.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Your council may ask you to pay fees for closing the street or request you take out Public Liability Insurance as you are closing public ground and responsible for what happens. We are trying to persuade councils not to charge, but there’s a lot of them and they have good and bad days. We worked with two events insurance companies in 2010 that do special street party insurance. For details check out Event Assured (look for 'Big Lunch' in the event type drop down list) and Event Insurance Services (this link takes you straight through to the 'Street Party' cover).
Q: Will BBQs land me in it with health and safety?
A: Between you and us, hopefully, no. Common sense applies. Set up your stall somewhere safe. Have one chef, not a free for all. It’s a good idea to have a first aider there on the day, just in case the fire-breathing acrobats have an off day.
Q: Who cleans up and how do we reuse?
A: Parties = mess. So let’s ensure Sunday evening and Monday morning sing, not sulk. Share duties and Marigold gloves (no-one wants prunes for hands). You wash, I’ll dry. You do the empties, I’ll compost the leftovers. Recycle, Freecycle…
Q: How can my school help out?
A: Children, parents and teachers, The Big Lunch needs you. How? You can help the kids get ready for a local Lunch – a bit like you do for Christmas. Think table decorations, homegrown veg, homemade food… There are no rules (yippee) but there are lots of ideas in our schools and youth section.
Q: How do I get my work involved?
A: The Big Lunch allows small businesses to have a big impact and big businesses to have a humungous impact. Why not give your staff the day off, or badger your boss to? Why not find some space in the car park, on the canteen terrace or even the factory roof to grow some food and flowers?
Q: Can hospitals and prisons join in?
A: Everyone’s a neighbour. But we all live and work in different roles and environments where we can take part in The Big Lunch. As a doctor or nurse, you have enough on your plate, but a drop-in comedian, artist or school choir singing sea-shanties can lift spirits no end on a ward. As for prisons, why not plant an allotment to freshen the food (and mind) and kick-start a catering course to give inmates a better chance when they leave. Or invite creative professionals to come in and talk about their craft and inspire, unearth and share hidden skills.
Q: We’re an organisation, can we take part or support The Big Lunch?
A: Yes you can. If you’re up for keeping the ethos of the whole thing: that it’s free, locally based, open to all and great fun. If you want advice on how you could get more stuck in and actually partner with The Big Lunch, please email us.
Q: Can I Lunch for charity?
A: If you’d like to raise money or volunteer time for a community charity, that’s great. Let us know how much you raise and we can share it with Big Lunchers nationwide.
