Dozens of communities from across the Westcountry gathered together to celebrate the fifth annual Big Lunch yesterday joining millions of others for the event inspired by the co-founder of the Eden Project.
The Big Lunch was started in 2009 and since then has gone on to be participated in by millions of people each year, with a huge variety of lunch-based events being carried out across Devon and Cornwall.
Lunches in the Westcountry ranged from small gatherings to larger affairs and included a lunch in Wadebridge, which was attended by the event's co-founder Sir Tim Smit.
The Duchess of Cornwall got involved too as the special guest at an event held at a local primary school in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Sir Tim said: "Come rain or shine, the Big Lunch is always a great success and a wonderful occasion for people to get together in the name of community spirit, for a day of laughter, friendship and fun.
"After five years, it's amazing to see so many people taking our simple idea and really making it work wonders for their communities.
"We've heard so many inspiring stories already and know they'll be plenty more to come. Roll on 2014."
Other events in Devon and Cornwall included one at Par and St Blazey, organised by Sonia Clyne.
"The day has been brilliant so far," she said.
"There are lots of new faces and people from all over are pulling together and helping out, the local band are playing and the local chapel have kindly set up some games for the children. The local pub has put on a barbeque and the weather is brilliant sunshine – the best day we've had in months."
Fernando Ramirez organised a Big Lunch at Roselyon School in Par.
The school is part of the DaCapo Music Foundation which commissioned a special Big Lunch celebration song, written by Hollywood composer John Ashton Thomas. Roselyon School's DaCapo choir sang the celebration song to Barbara Windsor at the Eden Project in April, and performed the song again at their Big Lunch.
He said: "We have just finished the performance of 'celebration' sung by around 40 school children. Their parents and professional musicians joined in with them too.
"I invited some musicians to enjoy the performance and it was great to see them come along and a fantastic way to meet new people."
Claire Griffiths of Mencap organised a Big Lunch in Truro for adults with learning difficulties who live in a supported living setting. She said: "The best part is just getting the chance to be sociable and get together."
Elaine Turner, organiser of the Big Lunch that took place at Bearnes Voluntary Primary School in Newton Abbot said: "It's actually been really fun to organise and we are definitely hoping to do a Big Lunch again next year."
