The Big Lunch is back!
The Big Lunch returns from 5th June, encouraging communities to come together to support each other after a challenging year.
Article Source: The Big Lunch
First Published: 14 April 2021 8:40
Updated: 14 April 2021 8:41
New research out today reveals more than half of Scots has some anxiety about socialising without restrictions, with 58 per cent of Scottish residents saying they are scared, anxious or apprehensive. In Scotland, a further 38 per cent say it will be a long time before they will feel comfortable socialising in the same way as they did pre-pandemic.
These are the findings of a new poll of 4,000 residents from across the UK which show that millions of us are worried about increasing social pressure now that lockdown measures are beginning to lift.
The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll for The Big Lunch, a National Lottery and Iceland Foods supported initiative also reveals:
• 26 per cent of Scottish people are worried about their ability to readjust to normal levels of social interaction again
• Around 66 per cent of people in Scotland are worried about visiting crowded places, and
• The Scottish nation are divided on physical contact with half (51%) saying they feel confident and comfortable with the idea of hugging once restrictions are lifted and the other half planning to keep their distance
The Big Lunch aims to bring people together to engage with each other and help to build more resilient, better connected communities. This year, The Big Lunch will take place from the big date 5th – 6th June as people share food and have fun as they get to know each other. Last year saw the event go virtual for the first time ever, however as the world slowly starts to return to some type of normality over the coming months, The Big Lunch is encouraging anyone and everyone to get together digitally or, in real life to unite in a nationwide act of community friendship.
Sophie Bridger, Country Manager (Scotland) for the Eden Project says: “It's been an incredibly challenging year, and for many of us, the connections we made in our communities have helped us get through it. As we emerge from the toughest of times, we want to support people and communities and as we start to reconnect with the world around us.
The Big Lunch is a brilliant way to ease yourself back into socialising. By seeing your neighbours for some cake and a natter, you can keep friendship and community spirit going. There’s plenty of different ways to take part - outdoors, online, over the fence or on the doorstep from 5th June right through into July. It’s so important to find ways we can get used to socialising, connecting and making new friends again and The Big Lunch can help people do that where they live by bringing people together to celebrate connections and our amazing communities.
This year The Big Lunch is spreading out across a whole month of community, kicking off a summer of friendship and fun. From hosting a Big Lunch to thanking volunteers in Volunteers Week, to packing some snacks and hitting the park in National Picnic Week, we are encouraging the nation to join in when it works for them.”
The research conducted in April 2021 suggests high levels of re-entry anxiety and concerns about our ability to socialise as we come out of our third lockdown period. However, despite 64 per cent of UK respondents worrying about socialising with large groups or in crowded places, one of the positives is that two thirds of the Scottish population are comfortable meeting smaller groups locally for picnics or community BBQs.
Despite a high percentage of the population worried about socialising post lockdown, over 25 million of us in the UK feel relieved at the idea we’ll be able to socialise without restrictions in the coming months and 30 per cent actively excited at the prospect.
The Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery and Iceland Foods, attracts millions of people across the UK each year.
Last year for the first time in its 12-year history, the event was moved online to adhere to COVID lockdown measures. Over 4 million people took part in The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch, with events running online, on the phone and on the doorstep.
This year especially, there are more reasons than ever to get together so why not have a Big Lunch and start connecting where you live. Join in on The Big Lunch from 5th – 6th June at www.thebiglunch.com.
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Outdoor theatre experience for kids at Eastwood Park
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will host a free enchanting outdoor theatre experience to start the school summer holidays in style!
Nicola Benedetti and Iona Fyfe get behind Make Music Day Scotland this summer
Hybrid of in-person and online events planned in Scotland and across the UK to mark the global, annual celebration of music!
New walking tour app helps Glasgow get back on its feet!
From the latest graffiti murals to historic female icons that shaped Glasgow, get yourself outside this summer with the help of the new Glasgow Walking Tours app!
First Scottish Dance Band online concert series to launch this month
The first ever Scottish Dance Band online concert series is set to launch this month under the watchful eye of musician and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Gary Innes.
Mackies of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland announce partnership to get families exploring this summer
Families are invited to reconnect with the National Trust for Scotland properties they love, uncover clues as they explore and receive a delicious Mackie’s chocolate treat for their efforts.
New campaign to inspire residents to shop, explore and love East Renfrewshire
A bold and ambitious new place brand for East Renfrewshire has been unveiled featuring 17 local businesses.
People across Scotland urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease
Scots are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of adults who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
A journey from lockdown back to live theatre 2021 to 2022
Join the National Theatre of Scotland on a journey back to live theatre as it celebrates a programme of new tours, returning productions, a World Premiere and its ongoing digital programme.
From Busby to Brazil... sculpture set to honour football legend
A new sculpture is set to honour the contribution of Thomas Donohoe, originally from Busby, East Renfrewshire, credited with first introducing football to Brazil in 1894.
Salvage Hunters want your location recommendations for their upcoming episode set to be filmed in Scotland
Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature in their special Scotland episode.
Dobbies announces virtual events to elevate your garden this summer
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced two virtual Expert Events to help gardeners elevate their green spaces this summer, no matter the size or style of their garden.
Cultural programme for UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone unveiled
A packed programme of live performances has been announced for the UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone, with Glasgow Green set to showcase Scotland’s diverse cultural scene!
itison give the chance to win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy to raise funds for Social Bite
Win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy or 90s throwback fitness class with Mr Motivator courtesy of itison... and help raise funds for Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness.
Book browsing back for East Renfrewshire libraries
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced plans to reopen several libraries this month for book browsing, computer access and click and collect services.
Local charity shop reopens in Newton Mearns
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is thrilled to announce the long-awaited re-opening of its boutique shop on Ayr Road in Newton Mearns!
Charity thanks volunteers for the massive difference they make
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, is getting ready to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June) by thanking their volunteers for the huge difference that they make to people’s lives.
Giffnock Primary School School Street trial set to launch
East Renfrewshire Council is set to pilot the area's first 'School Street' in a bid to reduce traffic and help create a safer environment for pupils at the busiest times of the day.
Scottish Opera returns to live performance with over 200 pop up opera shows this Summer
Scottish Opera returns to live outdoor performance for the first time in nine months, with its popular Pop-up Opera Roadshow, starting Thursday 10th June!
Ayr company scoops best ice cream in UK award!
Mancini's of Ayr has been voted the best ice cream manufacturer in the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector's UK trade association.
Plans launched to plant ten trees for every person in Glasgow City Region
Over the next decade, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Glasgow City Region will be planted as part of a new urban ‘forest’ to tackle climate change.
Scottish Celebrity Chef backs charity Tartan Tea Party to celebrate Thank You Day
Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin is backing Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Tartan Tea Party to celebrate the nationwide 'Thank You Day' on Sunday 4th July.
Summer Holiday Fun with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a full programme of fun-filled holiday camps and activities to keep the kids active and entertained this summer.
Dobbies celebrates National Childrens Gardening Week with refreshed Little Seedlings and Ambassador launch
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the online relaunch of its much-loved Little Seedlings Club, to support and celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week.
National Theatre of Scotland Creatively Engaging in 2021
National Theatre of Scotland announces a series of new digital creative engagement projects which explore themes of care and empathy.
Spaces for People measures to be introduced on Davieland Road
East Renfrewshire Council will be trialling temporary changes on Davieland Road, Giffnock, to make it easier and safer for people to move around.
Biscuit fans can book a stay in a CARAVAN Wafer this summer
Biscuit giant, Tunnock's, has teamed up with Argyll Holidays, Scotland's marketing leading holiday park operator in Argyll, to design and create the first ever official Tunnock's Caravan Wafer!
Jack and Victor raise a glass as whisky goes live
After months of speculation, two of Scotland's most famous old boys, Jack Jarvis Esq. and Victor McDade prove they're still here in spirit as their very own limited-edition dram goes on sale!
Get them growing and inspire the next generation of gardeners
Dobbies celebrates National Children’s Gardening Week 29th May - 6th June 2021. It’s the perfect time to nurture children and grandchildren’s interest in the great outdoors.
Aldi launches a lorry design competition for children across Scotland with Team GB
With just over two months until the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Aldi is running a nationwide competition with Team GB, calling on budding child artists to submit a design for its latest lorry.
Aldi champions local distillers as part of Scottish Spirits Festival
Aldi reveals the line-up for its in-store Scottish Spirits Festival, featuring a host of quality craft beverages from across Scotland that are perfect to add to your drink’s cabinet this summer.
Sponsored Links
