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Wondering how you’re going to have a successful Big Lunch without a big pot of cash?Â
Fear not, The Big Lunch team have put together 5 handy tips for how to make your Big Lunch fabulous without a big price tag. And there are lots more ideas on our website. And if you have any favourite tips don’t forget to share with other Big Lunchers via Twitter and Facebook or email to fay.richards@thebiglunch.com.
1)   Word of mouth – the cheapest and often most effective way to spread the word, recruit help and canvass for ideas for your Big Lunch. Getting out and speaking to your neighbours might feel a little bit scary if you don’t know them but be brave, it will be worth it and you’ll be surprised how keen people will be – often they just want someone else to take the first step.
2)   Grow-Your-Own – what could be better than sitting down with your neighbours and sharing food grown by your own green fingers? It’s fresh, healthy and you don’t need an allotment to get started, lots of things can be grown in pots or window boxes. Start by sowing the salad seeds enclosed with your FREE Pack and have a look at the grow-your-own calendar to see what other veggies can be harvested in time.
3)    Bring-Your-Own – don’t fret about having to provide gourmet treats for the whole street, ask each neighbour to bring something to share at the table or their own picnic to eat. It’s often a great way to find out more about the different cultures and backgrounds of the people living near you.
4)   Easy peasy bunting – there’s nothing quite like a bit of bunting to transform a street, garden or community space and give it a real Big Lunch feel. Shop bought bunting can be lovely but also expensive so have a go at making your own. There’s a handy bunting template in our FREE Pack  so all you need is a bit of old material, clothes, sheets, magazines or papers. Ask each neighbour to bring a triangle then string them all together to make the best community bunting ever!
5)   Scour for talent – there’ll be plenty hiding on your street, you just need to encourage it to come forward. Split tasks up, have a look at the activity and games ideas on our website or come up with your own, pooling talents and creativity will keep everyone entertained all day.
Don’t forget Big Lunches don’t have to be expensive affairs, the most important ingredient is the people!
Big Jubilee Lunch 2012, an Eden Project
Any advice would be welcome, I seem to have drawn the short straw re a street party and have NO knowledge or experience of even getting one off the ground. I have enquired from our local council, and they have expressed guarded approval but said we’d need public liability insurance and that WE’D have to pay for “road closed” signs, provided that is granted of course. I personally cannot afford to pay for these items myself, how do we pay for it, do we get funding ? I’m quite lost – - – HELP
Hi Rose
Sometimes local businesses can help out with Public Liability Insurace, which is normally in the region of fifty pounds. For example a local bakery might be happy to pay for insurance if you have something branded of theirs at your lunch like a banner, balloons or even baked goods! Its a great way for businesses and communities to get to know one another and to raise awareness of the business.
In the past Big Lunchers have made their own road closure signs – might be a fun project for any local children in the run up to your Big Lunch! Check out our gallery of images for a bit of inspiration!
Hope this helps and don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@thebiglunch.com if you have further questions!