A date for your diary

The Big Lunch 2010 will take place on Sunday 18th July.

We're telling our supporters nice and early as you may want to start

planning a Big Lunch in your neighbourhood next year. Some of you have

already asked for a date that you can include in newsletters or use to

apply to the council about closing the street for a really big bash.

We're developing a new improved website, where people interested in

either taking part in or organising a Big Lunch can register their

interest and find others in their area. We know some of you had

problems with the registration facility last year - we promise, we're

working on it! But for the moment, please feel free to start asking

people to save the date.

As with The Big Lunch 2009, we will use the website as the main source

of information and resources for setting up your own Big Lunch - and

plan to add even more competitions, giveaways and ideas as well as a

place to upload your own photos and stories.

We'll be spreading the word about The Big Lunch far and wide from early

next year - including through partner organisations, the media and an

official launch early in the summer.

We're aiming for an even bigger show of neighbourhood lunches in 2010,

in every corner of the country, and hope the event will gain in

momentum year on year. We know that over 9 million (15% of the

population) said they want to take part in the next Big Lunch and that

85% of participants said they're looking to organise one for 2010. So

the prospects look good for a huge event.

Just a quick reminder, a Big Lunch can be anything from sitting down

and having lunch with your neighbours to a full-blown street party

complete with bunting and music. The important thing is to make contact

with people and to have fun.

The Big Lunch team