Ainsley Harriot backing virtual Big Lunch in the North West

The Big Lunch annual thanksgiving for neighbours is going ahead in spite of Lockdown and Ainsley is calling on community groups and neighbours from across the North West to take part.

Last year over six million people enjoyed The Big Lunch with their neighbours in towns and villages across the UK.

With social distancing measures still in place Lunch looked to be set to be cancelled but Eden Project Communities have decided to go ahead because now more than ever we need to work at staying connected and including people but this year it will be different.

Local representative Grainne McCloskey said: “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, thanks to National Lottery support it has been growing since 2009 and this annual thanksgiving weekend for neighbours and communities is on 6-7 June.

“This year, The Big Lunch is going virtual so neighbours can still celebrate with their communities… but this time from a safe distance, online, on the phone or at your door. Everyone is invited to take part in the annual thanksgiving for neighbours so get your free resources at www.thebiglunch.com and lets connect and thank each other for being strong when it matters most.

“The North West is known for its friendliness and now more than ever before we need to work on including people and staying in touch, we want to try and get as many neighbours and community minded people connecting in a fun and friendly way over the weekend of 6-7 June – whether you go for a cake and a coffee online or take time for tea with a social distanced neighbourly chat on the street you will be helping build community spirit.

“This is about thanking and connecting the people near you for being there when it matters most.

“We are delighted to have Ainsley Harriot’s support and he has even provided a tasty veg stew recipe to spice things up over the weekend.

Big Lunch Ambassador Ainsley Harriott is encouraging the nation to get eating and meeting… safely.

He says: “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.

“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.

“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, with events running online, on the phone and on your doorstep across June 6-7.

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

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