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
Last 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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Carol Main MBE FRC appointed Chair of National Centre for Music
The development of a new National Centre for Music has reached another key milestone, with the appointment of Carol Main MBE FRC as Chair.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Dobbies Dunfermline store to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline is opening its doors to the National Vegetable Society, having been unveiled as the host of the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews Launches Charity Golf Open
Fairmont St Andrews invites golfers to tee off for a cause with the launch of the inaugural Fairmont Golf Open, held in proud collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links