A neighbour of mine, Helen, shared over the garden fence her dream of bringing all of the street together and asked for my help and support. I was encouraged by this and asked her to let me know how I could best support. Next thing I know she had signed our street up for the Big Lunch!

The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, it is an idea from the Eden Project and supported by the Pears Foundation.

A highlight of the preparation was knocking on the doors around the end of our cul-de-sac and sharing the idea of the Big Lunch and asking whether they were happy for this take place outside their house. We were met with such warmth and excitement. One child animatedly shared what he would like to bring, and others thanked us for organising this. I felt it was the hand of God that everyone was at home. We invited the whole street with personalised flyers and put posters up on lampposts.

A few days before, a neighbour we hadn’t met yet knocked on our door offering his gazebo for the Big Lunch.

Some special moments of the Big Lunch:

People’s generosity. A Muslim neighbour brought a platter piled high of chicken biryani and others baked delicious scones and homemade cakes. One family heaved out their solid wooden dining table for us to use.

Next door neighbours meeting each other for the first time.

The welcoming atmosphere that Muslims, Christians and those of no faiths created, while chatting together.

A little girl handing out rose chocolates to everyone, so she could have some!

Neighbours forming groups to competitively take part in the quiz.

Children and adults informally playing badminton and shooting baskets together.

The joy of a dog jumping to chomp at blowing bubbles.

A girl bouncing a basketball whilst a dog intently watched the ball with every bounce.

A nervous elderly neighbour felt confident enough to join us. Neighbours gently walking her back to home as the event drew to a close.

Halfway through the Big Lunch, Helen and I invited everyone to join a street WhatsApp group in which lots of neighbours joined.

A few neighbours shared a passion for BBQs and suggested a street BBQ. Let’s see what happens next.

The power of invitation enables people and communities to come together enjoy food and build friendships.

Beth Brown - CCJ Campus Leadership Programme Manager