The Big Lunch 2009
It’s official, we’re one year in to a new annual tradition. Last July, despite the weather, the best part of a million of you threw your heart, soul and – in some cases – uni-cycling and watermelon sculpture skills, into The Big Lunch.
It took root in 8,263 streets, lanes, parks, car parks, schools and the like. Some were tiny, some were vast, but as a whole, it was the biggest, broadest and most inventive day of open-air parties since our Queen racked up 50 years on the throne.
On the right is a video to jog your memory.
What it meant to you
We built quite a following on this website. Here are a few of the things people said, felt and heard on the day:
“The oldest attendee was aged 93 and rarely leaves her flat as she is unable to walk... so she was thrilled to be in the open air amongst the neighbours.”
“Just wanted to say the neighbours got together yesterday on my street (we have never done this... ever!) and we all had a great time chatting with each other. I got to know some ‘new’ faces and learn a bit of history about the street from some of the neighbours that have lived on the street for almost half a century!”
“I grew up in Iraq. In 30 years of living here, I’ve never seen anything like it. By the way, is that ice-cream really free?”
“Matson Park, Gloucester Big Lunch was wet and fun – fried egg sandwiches made on the spot with eggs from the hens living behind the hedge.”
Feel free to post your own memories, comments and questions on our blog.
Class of 2009
Here's a taste of some of the weird and wonderful things Big Lunchers made happen in their neighbourhood last year.
Community: Tranquair village, Scotland
Coup: Fir n’cone, sack race and treasure hunt.
Community: Fighting Close, Coventry
Coup: Dug up a lawn for all the kids in the street to grow veg, plus one of the locals donated a sheep.
Community: People’s Park in Banbury
Coup: 300 yards of knitted bunting, dreamt up by the local knitting club.
Community: Bellenden Road, Peckham, London
Coup: The Felix Gonzales video
Community: 18 Cornish Care Homes
Coup: Old folk felt young as they discoed and line danced the day away before tucking into cream teas.
Community: East End Park, Leeds.
Coup: Their multi-ethnic, multi-gastro Big Lunch bash helped different cultures share traditional dishes with their neighbours.
Community: L8, Liverpool
Coup: The biggest Big Lunch yet, 5,000 strong (they say they’ll top it in 2010).
