Neighbours from all four corners of Belfast and across Northern Ireland will come together to share friendship, food and fun at a very special Big Lunch celebration in the heart of Belfast, 2 Royal Avenue on Sunday 11 February 2-4pm as the 4 Corners Festival comes to a close.
Eden Project, who are the people behind The Big Lunch, are teaming up with Corrymeela and 4 Corners Festival to unpack the power of food and fun in bringing people together breaking down barriers between us. Offering easy steps anyone can take in a supportive, inclusive way to generate hope and genuine friendship, all partners are inviting everyone to join in The Big Lunch in June as a huge act of community spirit.
Joanne Boal is a member of the Corrymeela community, who hosts a Big Lunch annually and has been recognised as neighbour of the year in Belfast. Joanne said: “At our Big Lunch in our alleyway everyone brings a chair and something to share. We eat delicious food and laughter flows, with all generations joining in so there is a real feeling of togetherness. For such a simple idea, the impact we’ve felt has been phenomenal. Today with the 4 Corners Festival and Corrymeela I hope I can inspire a few other ordinary people like me to get to know their neighbours better with The Big Lunch this June.
Now in its 12th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all. Coming together over a meal, guests at the event will share their experiences, top tips and ideas to show how easy it is to take part in The Big Lunch with the aim of inspiring confidence so that everyone feels encouraged to bring their communities together during the Month of Community in June.
The Big Lunch can be the starter that makes all the difference. It creates friendships, increases belonging and can help new neighbours feel welcome. It’s also a chance to celebrate the people who volunteer their time throughout the year. Research* into the impact last year showed that for those who took part, 65% said it had made them feel less lonely, 75% said they felt a stronger sense of community spirit and the same number said they are now more likely to give time to help neighbours or good causes.
Mirroring the spirit of Corrymeela, the world-famous peace initiative, the 4 Corners Festival was first established twelve years ago with the aim of building a better future from the troubled past. Now each year in February organisers entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city to enjoy innovative cultural events where they can encounter new people, perspectives, and ideas to bring the transformation in Belfast for the peace and wellbeing of all a step closer.
Ed Petersen, 4 Corners Festival said: The Festival’s theme for 2024 is ‘Our Stories… Towards A Culture Of Hope’. Events are celebrating the rich tapestry of stories that shape who we are as a community and exploring how we can nurture hope and community wellbeing. As the Festival draws to a close, we are delighted to partner with The Corrymeela Community and Eden Project to launch The Big Lunch. This initiative draws communities together in a supportive, inclusive way that can generate hope and genuine friendship – a fitting legacy of the 2024 Festival.”
Alex Wimberly Leader of the Corrymeela Community said: “As Northern Ireland’s oldest peacebuilding organisation, Corrymeela has been shining a light for peace for almost sixty years. Every year Corrymeela welcomes thousands of people from different communities to live well together, through residentials at the Ballycastle based centre and in groups throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. Simply by embracing The Big Lunch and sitting down to share food together we’re opening up new opportunities to get to know each other better. It’s a chance to explore our differences and learn more about ourselves, each other, and the world. Enjoying a meal with people at a Big Lunch starts conversations – it’s something wonderful we can share so I hope people embrace the chance to join in this June.”
Since the initiative started, people in Northern Ireland have held Big Lunches, in their streets, in alleyways, in parks and gardens and even on their doorsteps. These low-cost events can be big or small, the main idea is that everyone brings something to share.
Grainne McCloskey, Eden Project Communities Northern Ireland said: “We’re delighted The Big Lunch 2024 will sow the seeds for friendships that we hope to see blossom all over Belfast and right across Northern Ireland during Month of Community throughout June. Hand on heart, I have seen amazing friendships and community action happen as a result of a few folk sharing a meal and getting a good conversation started at The Big Lunch thanks to the support of The National Lottery.”
The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery. Since 2010, it’s been bringing people together to create happier and healthier communities thanks to National Lottery Players, who raise £30m a week for good causes across the UK.
This year because Eden Project care about supporting people and nature, The Big Lunch is dishing up tasty ideas to encourage anyone taking part to do one small thing to help their neighbourhood become more planet friendly too.
To find out more go to www.TheBigLunch.com or follow us on socials @edencommunities
For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com