Let’s do lunch nd

Get ready to tuck in – the Big Lunch is back and you’re invited, says Jane Haase

IT’S time to get baking for the UK’S annual community get-together. e Big Lunch is being held over the weekend of June 1-2, and every year millions of people join in to share food at street parties, park picnics, garden get-togethers and backyard barbecues.

Some of the UK’S best-loved chefs, cooks and bakers will be o ering up delicious recipes.

Matty Edgell, winner of 2023’s Great British Bake O , is backing the event.

e PE and science teacher says: “I’m delighted to be supporting e Big Lunch this year with my recipe for lemon and poppy seed loaf cake. With zingy lemon and a deliciously creamy icing, it’s easy to make but sure to impress the neighbours.

“It’s always easier to make new friends over a bite to eat, so why not rustle this up, share it around and enjoy a natter at your own Big Lunch?”

As well as Matty’s dish, chef Kwoklyn Wan and TV’S Eat Well for Less presenter Chris Bavin are among those sharing recipes.

Kwoklyn says of his recipe for vegetable moo shu: “A vegan homage to the original moo shu pork of Northern China, these freshly tossed veggies in hoi sin sauce wrapped in chewy Chinese pancakes will be sure to have you questioning whether you really could/should start eating less meat!”

And Chris’ quick and easy atbread pizza is sure to be a hit.

He says: “Sometimes, when we are in a rush, we cheat and use shop-bought atbreads and let the kids add their own toppings, which they love. My eldest son isn’t a great fan of pizza, but he enjoys making them with atbreads! You can add some dried herbs to the dough if you like.”

In 2023 more than 14 million people took part in the event, made possible by the National Lottery, with research showing that 65% of those who did feel less lonely as a result, while 75% say they feel a stronger sense of community spirit. Since 2015, £87m has been raised at Big Lunch events for good causes.

is year, organisers at the Eden Project are hoping to make it the greenest Big Lunch yet by encouraging people to make small changes to make a positive di erence to the planet.

ere are loads of ways to theme it green and make sure your Big Lunch gives back to people and the planet. You can upcycle decorations, share surplus food, swap planet-friendly recipes with your neighbours, close your road to reduce the tra c, get outdoors and enjoy your Big Lunch in nature, plant wild owers or raise money for a green charity like the Eden Project so more positive stu can happen.

It’s always easier to make new friends over a bite to eat BAKE OFF WINNER MATTY EDGELL

Visit thebiglunch.com for more recipe ideas and information.