Communities thanked for coming together for Coronation Big Lunch
Pictured at Neillbrook Fold, Randalstown, are Marie Bradley of Radius Housing with residents Paddy Mullen and Glady O’Neil who were King and Queen for the day.
Thousands of people from across Northern Ireland have enjoyed a Coronation Big Lunch, celebrating neighbourhood and marking the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
From Belfast to Bushmills, Carnmoney to Enniskillen, and Millisle to Drumbo, it was an opportunity for people to join together, sharing food, friendship and fun.
The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea by Eden Project and made possible by National Lottery, was also a chance to be part of history, boosting community spirit, helping to reduce loneliness and supporting charities and good causes.
Harpur's Hill, Coleraine
Pictured are Cook Hazel Millar with canteen staff, Principal David Radcliffe, and Coronation Big Lunch rep Grainne McCloskey.
Pictured is P4 pupil Bryton dressed to impress at the Coronation Big Lunch.
The local community were invited into Harpur’s Hill Primary School to tuck into the first of this weekend’s Coronation Big Lunch celebrations
Pupils at Harpur’s Hill Primary School in Coleraine
Julia Moody and pupils at Harpur’s Hill Primary School.
The party started at Harpur’s Hill Primary School in Coleraine on Friday and David Radcliffe, Principal, said:
"We had a fantastic Coronation Big Lunch with over 50 grandparents and senior citizens from our local community. I want to say a huge thanks to our cook Hazel Millar and all the staff in the kitchen who made such a delicious feast. The children also enjoyed the petting farm and bouncy castles followed by a well deserved ice-cream."
On Saturday, the celebrations continued the length and breadth of Northern Ireland.
Neillsbrook Fold, Randalstown
At Neillsbrook Fold in Randalstown, resident May Hanna, who moved in last September, said:
"I’m really enjoying getting to know my neighbours. It took me a while to get to know everybody’s names but there’s lots of opportunities to meet people here thanks to the parties organised by Marie. I love living at Neillsbrook Fold.”
Pictured are Debbie Shaw, her dog Frizz and Grainne McCloskey of Eden Project Communities.
Debbie Shaw, who is registered blind, and her dog Frizz, are moving in this Friday. Debbie said:
“What a great welcome I’m getting. It’s a good opportunity to get to know my neighbours. Some I already knew from the Randalstown area and there are a lot of lovely people here.
"I actually use South Antrim community transport quite a lot and I hear that they may be losing their funding. I really hope not because it’s a vital service for me to keep me up and about and mobile. I’m really looking forward to living here in Neillsbrook Fold.”
Pictured are Cllr Noreen McClelland, resident Dolores Beggs and Marie Bradley of Radius Housing.
Pictured are resident Paddy Mullen, Grainne McCloskey of Eden Project Communities and Amelia Stewart.
Glynn, Co Antrim
Glynn residents enjoy the Coronation Big Lunch.
Young people from Glynn enjoy the Coronation Big Lunch
Queen Bee Lily Swann, who wrote a letter to Eden Project Communities requesting a party for the Platinum Jubilee, enjoys hanging around with friends the Coronation Big Lunch
Glynn residents enjoy the Coronation Big Lunch.
On Sunday, the people of Glynn came together and last year Lilly Swann wrote to Eden Project Communities asking for funding for a party and this year, she joined in to celebrate the Coronation.
Liz Swann from Glynn said:
“It was great to bring everyone together for the Coronation Big Lunch and to see so many people happy and celebrating such a joyous occasion.”
Carnmoney, Co Antrim
Friends enjoying the Carnmoney Village Community Group Coronation Big Lunch
Charlotte aged 5 enjoyed the Carnmoney Village Community Group Coronation Big Lunch
Carnmoney Village Community Group hosted a Coronation Big Lunch
Cousins enjoying the Carnmoney Village Community Group Coronation Big Lunch
On Monday, Carnmoney Village celebrated with a Coronation Big Lunch for 1,000 people.
Thelma Jamison, Chairperson of Carnmoney Village Community Group, said:
“We had a Jubilee Big Lunch last year for and because it was such a success the committee decided to work hard to organise a Coronation Big Lunch. This is our second Royal celebration and today’s event has exceeded all our expectations. It has been a wonderful day with the added bonus of sunshine.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, is joined by Kane and Lola at the Carnmoney Village Community Group Coronation Big Lunch
Grainne McCloskey, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, said:
“We want to thank everyone who got involved; those who organised an event and those who came along. Community spirit is at the heart of the Big Lunch and it was incredible to see so many people celebrate together while marking the Coronation. We hope organisers will now go on to make The Big Lunch an annual celebration of friendship, togetherness and neighbourhood.”
Established in 2009, The Big Lunch takes place annually and encourages neighbours and communities to share food as a huge act of community spirit.
This year people can also celebrate with a Big Lunch throughout Month of Community in June. Queen Camilla has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.