Diana Berriman, 53, from Llandrindod Wells, joined Mel Giedroyc to get the Royal Jubilee party planning started at a special Big Jubilee Lunch event in Her Majesty The Queen’s Buckingham Palace Garden. Seasoned organiser, Neelam, shared tips as people across the UK start planning their own Big Jubilee Lunch celebrations from 2-5 June.
In just two months’ time, neighbours around the UK will be coming together to mark The Queen’s 70-year reign with Big Lunch street parties and community celebrations. To kick off the festivities, broadcaster, actress and comedian, Mel Giedroyc was joined in the gardens of the iconic Royal Residence by Neelam and nine other Big Lunch organisers from all four corners of the UK, to get their tips and inspiration on how to get the platinum party started.
Discussing what people in every street can bring to the table, Diana shared her ideas with Mel and together they discussed how the annual event has helped make meaningful connections and bring communities together through simply sharing friendship, food and fun.
Speaking from Buckingham Palace, Mel Giedroyc said: “I’m thrilled by all the fantastic top tips I’ve heard today. It’s been a joy to share this special moment with these inspiring people here in the Buckingham Palace Gardens. The Big Jubilee Lunch is something that everyone can be part of, it’s about having fun and making connections – and I think we are all ready for a good old knees up! Anyone, anywhere can be part of The Big Jubilee Lunch, whether that’s a cuppa on your doorstep, a BBQ in your back yard or a full-blown street party – it’s easy to take part. So why not give it a go? Start planning a Big Jubilee Lunch to have some fun with your community on 2-5 June and mark this mega moment in our country’s history.”
Diana added: “It is amazing to be in this incredible setting – having tea and cake in the garden of Buckingham Palace! Everyone I have met today is so interesting because they’ve all got different stories about their own communities. They are enthusiastic and motivated to be doing things in their communities and to share those experiences with each other. It is very inspiring. I have had a really amazing and inspiring day.”
Diana is part of Fuelled by Cake – a group of local friends who have been working together to build community spirit in Llandrindod Wells since 2015 with events including a photography competition and outdoor film screenings. The Big Lunch has been a key part of Diana’s work in the community since she attended her first event in 2015. After helping out at several Big Lunches over the years, she organised her first Big Lunch in her small village in 2019. This year, Diana is taking things to the next level as her group close their high street and invite 500 people to enjoy food, music and entertainment on 2 June.
The Big Lunch is the UK’s biggest annual celebration bringing neighbours and communities together every year to share food and fun in a nationwide act of connection and friendship. Recognising the importance of community spirit, Her Majesty has made The Big Jubilee Lunch an official part of her platinum celebrations from 2-5 June this year, which will also see processions, pageants, faith services and concerts in honour of The Queen’s 70 years of service. Over 12 million people across the UK are planning to mark this once in a lifetime moment with Big Jubilee Lunch street parties and community celebrations where they live.
