The countdown to the UK's biggest annual event for communities has started, with just 50 days to go until the Big Lunch.
The brainchild of the Eden Project, near St Austell, the event aims to get as many of the 61 million people in the UK as possible to have lunch with their neighbours once a year.
Funded by the Lottery, the event is now in its fifth year. It has grown year on year, with organisers targeting another record-breaking event on Sunday, June 2.
Eden founder Sir Tim Smit said: "The Big Lunch is all about getting together and having fun.
"It doesn't have to be a big event, even a small get-together in your garden or on your street is a great way to get neighbours talking, sharing conversation, skills, resources – and, of course, the vital ingredient – food.
"It's not too late to take part in this year's event on June 2, so why not sign up now for your free pack and get your own event started?"
Research from The Big Lunch showed that 75% of Britons are crying out for more community spirit in their area.
More than 91% of the 8.5 million people that took part in last year's Big Jubilee Lunch felt closer to their neighbours as a result.
Free starter packs are available to request online, which include posters, invitations, a planner and other materials to help people organise their own community event.
Organiser Christine Franklin, from Paignton, said: "Last year's Big Lunch was really good fun. It was a pleasure to see so many people of all ages come together and spend a couple of hours getting to know one another.
"I'm really glad I took that first step, it's definitely made the whole street much friendlier."
The Lottery-funded initiative is led by the Eden Project and supported by MasterCard, Kingsmill and Asda.
Big Lottery Fund chairman Peter Ainsworth said: "It was inspiring to see so many communities coming together in 2012 over a bite to eat while enjoying their Big Lunch and Jubilee celebrations.
"The Big Lunch is a great way of helping people develop a much stronger sense of local community. That's what the Big Lottery Fund is proud to be supporting again in 2013."
For further information or to request a free starter pack, visit www.thebiglunch.com.
