Join In The Big Virtual Lunch With Ainsley


logo of big virtual lunch, text on green panel representing a long table, shorter green bars around it representing chairs

The Big Lunch is back on June 6 & 7  – and this year it’s going virtual!

Last year more than 6 million people took part in one of the 92,000 events organised across the UK… but this year it is going to be different.

So many things feel uncertain right now. We don’t know what we will be doing next week, let alone next month.

But we do know one thing for certain – we will definitely be having lunch. So let’s have lunch together… even if we have to be apart.

Celebrating community spirit

Composite image of people on screen eating, from a boy with an ice lolly to people sitting on the floor with their dog

The idea is simple. In June each year, The Big Lunch encourages people to spend a few hours getting together with their neighbours, celebrating community spirit right across the nation.

This annual thanksgiving weekend for neighbours and communities is all made possible with the help of the National Lottery.

This year, the Big Lunch is going virtual so neighbours can still celebrate with their communities… but this time from a safe distance.

“Novel ways to stay connected”

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott in his kitchenholds a sponge cake and gives a big grin and OK sign
Big Lunch Ambassador Ainsley Harriott
is encouraging the nation to get eating and meeting… safely.

He says, “I’ve been involved in The Big Lunch for three years now as I love people coming together to share food, and this year is no exception.

“It is important for us to stay connected to our communities as we are relying on our neighbours more than ever.

“It’s heartening to see neighbourhoods looking out for each other, forming online contact groups and shopping for those who need help.

“We may not be able to go to restaurants or have parties right now but that doesn’t mean we can’t share a meal.

“Whether it’s a digital dinner or a virtual vino – we are all coming up with novel ways to stay connected during this health crisis.

Everyone’s invited!

Ainsley continues, “This year The Big Lunch is going virtual. So invite your neighbours, your family and your friends. You can Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook or simply grab a plate of food and pick up the phone.

“This summer for the first time in its 10 year history, The Big Lunch will become The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch. There will be events running online, on the phone and on your doorstep across June 6 and 7.

“Everyone’s invited – so what are you waiting for?”

Save the date for The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, and find out how to join in here.

Sarah Proctor

I've worked on a variety of regional newspapers and national magazines. My Weekly and Your Best Ever Christmas are fantastic, warm-hearted brands with an amazing, talented team. I'm a sub-editor and particularly love working on cookery, fiction and advice pages - I feel I should know all the secrets of eternal life, health and happiness by now, but hey, we all need that regular reminder!