Month: May 2023

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Haslem Hotel, Lisburn, County Down

Take advantage of the bank holiday weekend approaching and escape to Haslem with a fabulous overnight stay. The Haslem Hotel is offering a Dine & Stay package from £69pps including a fabulous two-course meal. Whether you’re planning a shopping trip or need somewhere to stay while visiting friends, Haslem is the perfect base right in the heart of Lisburn Square. Visit https://www.haslemhotel.com/ for more information.

The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, County Londonderry

The Lodge Hotel is offering a two-night stay in a double or twin room, including a full cooked breakfast each morning, and a £15pp dining credit each evening from £145pps. Whether you’re arranging a bank holiday escape, an anniversary break, birthday treat or simply wanting to relax with your other half or bestie, this two-night break is just the ticket. This offer is available Sunday to Thursday. Visit https://www.thelodgehotel.com/ for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 22nd – 28th May.

  1. Bluegrass Omagh, Omagh, County Tyrone, 26 – 28 May. Time to dust off your Stetson and get your dancin’ shoes on. The Bluegrass festival returns to Ulster American Folk Park. Enjoy a stellar weekend with world-class musicians from around the globe. This will be a toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ weekend to remember!
  2. Portrush Tasty, Portrush, County Antrim, 26 May. This evening foodie tour is the perfect opener for your weekend. Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Portrush’s only craft brewery for a private tasting, a delicious main course on Main Street, and finish off with a delicious cocktail. Guided by local food & drink ambassador Wendy, you will be introduced to the unique people, flavours and character this coastal gem has to offer.
  3. Orchard/Cider Experience, Portadown, County Armagh, 27 May. Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever Family. Walk through their various orchard plantations and witness first-hand the beautiful apple blossom. Learn about the craft cider and apple juice production from start to finish, enjoy tastings of their award-winning products and relax in their new glass fronted Bramley Barn with a hot cuppa while you tuck into granny’s traditional griddle breads.
  4. Poems and Paintings Creative Writing and Art Retreat, Stewartstown, County Tyrone, 27 -28 May. Join a weekend of creative writing, painting, music, good food and fun with bestselling novelist Emma Heatherington and renowned Irish artist Jim McKee in the spectacular surroundings of Rosehill House. In this two-day visit to the heart of Mid Ulster, you will be immersed in creativity as you learn from experts all you want to know about painting masterpieces and conjuring up magnificent stories and poems, as well as tips on how to get published.
  5. Tracing Your Mourne Roots Exhibition, Kilkeel, County Down, see website for opening times. Overlooking Kilkeel’s busy and picturesque fishing port, the Nautilus Centre is the ideal place to become a time traveller and explore your heritage. The exhibition aims to showcase the history and heritage of Kilkeel and the wider Mourne area from 1800 to present day. The project is also currently gathering information on local graveyards within Kilkeel to create an online database which will allow you the chance to access the information to find out if your relatives are buried in the area.
  6. May Bank Holiday Weekend at HMS Caroline, Belfast, County Antrim, 27 – 29 May. There is no better way to spend the May Bank Holiday weekend than exploring the HMS Caroline. Bring the children to HMS Caroline to enjoy specially themed activities all included with HMS Caroline tour tickets. Drop-in, family-led activities including crafts, dress ups, puzzles, games, and colouring-in activities are also available in the Learning Room onboard the ship.
  7. Mundy in Concert, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 27 May. Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy is delighted to welcome Mundy to the Helicon for what promises to be an unmissable performance. Mundy’s music has allowed him to travel the world supporting some of the greats; Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, R.E.M, Oasis and The Pogues to name but a few. Mundy was invited to perform for perhaps his most prestigious audience to date, in the White House for President Barack Obama as part of their St. Patricks Day celebrations. Don’t miss out on this special performance!
  8. Creels in the Cave, Tullyholvin Lower, County Fermanagh, 26 May- 18 August. Visit this popular local spot to unwind and enjoy a pint. The Linnet Inn is the perfect setting for those interested in learning a little more about the ancient art of Creel Making and Basket Weaving. Dessie, owner of the Linnet Inn, part-time undertaker and full-time shopkeeper will share stories from his community and the links it has with the extensive cave network that lies beneath the pub.
  9. Spring Mindfulness at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down, 22-28 May. Through the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are multiple pockets of peace to be found in places all around us. This spring, come and experience the garden by having a go at practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness can be practised anywhere, at any time of day. Created as a form of meditation, it asks you to take notice of each of the five senses in your body, including your own breathing, bringing your complete attention into the current moment.
  10. Armagh Craft Fair, Armagh, County Armagh, 27 May. Come celebrate contemporary and traditional craft at the Armagh Craft Fair. The hugely successful Armagh Craft Fair is back for the 11th year at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre with the largest number of fantastic artists and makers to date.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

Bluegrass Omagh 2023: Enjoy a Weekend of World-Class Bluegrass at the Ulster American Folk Park

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Bluegrass Omagh makes a welcome return to the Ulster American Folk Park this year, from Saturday 27th until Monday 29th May.

The annual festival will bring together the finest bluegrass bands from around the corner and across the seas, as well as wholesome food, and fun activities for the whole family. 

Over the last three decades, Bluegrass Omagh has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America and has left an indelible mark on the Ulster American Folk Park, a museum which tells the story of Irish emigration to America. The festival is one of the major highlights of their annual events calendar, attracting musicians, enthusiasts, and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s line-up includes North American headliners Zoe & Cloyd, The Honeydew Drops, and Viper Central – groups that highlight the next generation of women in Bluegrass. They will be joined by local, homegrown talent including Eilidh Patterson, Woodbine and Knotty Pine String Band. Throughout the weekend, audiences can also watch talent from near and far pick ‘n bow ‘n strum ‘n sing at the Geordie McAdam Open Mic Sessions – in memory of one of the finest old-time fiddlers ever produced here at home. On Saturday 27th May Bluegrass enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear from the best in the industry at The McConversations – an informal Q&A with one of the genre’s finest exponents, Niall Toner. Niall is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading experts on Bluegrass and American Country Music and will delve into his years of experience on the musical road, with a song or two thrown in for good measure.

Tickets for the festival are available to book at ulsteramericanfolkpark.org, with a range of options from day tickets and family tickets to weekend passes. Weekend tickets also include entry to the Bluegrass Family Day on Monday 29th May.

So, whether it’s a day out with the family or an easy-going long weekend, start your Summer off with Bluegrass Omagh 2023 and enjoy a toe-tappin’, knee-clappin’, finger-pickin’ bluegrass weekend to remember!

Visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org to get your tickets.

Boardroom Apprentice Programme Set To Return Next Month

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2022 Boardroom Apprentices Craig Service, Alex Deonarine, Clodagh Palmer and Gillian Orr

Boardroom Apprentice is set to return this year as applications for this year’s programme are open on June 5.

A UK first, the Boardroom Apprentice is a 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme is now entering its seventh year and has helped 277 candidates across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance. 

Open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, the programme seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms and helps move the board member role from aspiration to reality.

Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice founder, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge, experience and support. 

“Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector in the future.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

Speaking of her experience, Boardroom Apprentice Alex Deonarine who was placed with the Department of Health said: “Being a young, mixed race girl, I initially felt as if there was no room for me at the boardroom table. 

“I didn’t understand my potential and often questioned ‘what’s the point?’ or ‘what do I have to bring?’.

“What I learned was that anyone and everyone can serve on a board, it just takes confidence and believing in yourself. 

“If you’ve never seen anyone “like you” on a board before, be the first one. You will never regret it – you will only treasure each and every experience on this journey.”

During the year, each Boardroom Apprentice has to attend eight learning days on topics such as finance, communication and governance along with the board placement on a board of their choice, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.

2022 Boardroom Apprentice, Craig Service, who was placed with the NI Police Fund said that the programme was a “humbling” experience.

He added: “Before I joined the programme, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought it would be daunting and I suppose I doubted my capabilities to be involved in such a programme.

“I met and worked with wonderful people all of whom have their own views, opinions and experiences that I could learn from.

“Being on a board is one of the most humbling and authentic experiences I have ever had. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone.”

Boardroom Apprentice Gillian Orr, who was placed with Nexus, said her time on the course last year provided her with an opportunity to develop her soft skills: “Through the project work I developed greater interpersonal skills which were really helpful and mirrored the experience of being a new board member. 

“I also learned skills across different areas that I wouldn’t typically have insight to, such as finance analysis and governance, all of which were accessible at all levels and applicable in my host board setting.”

Boardroom Apprentice Clodagh Palmer, who was placed with South Eastern Regional College said the experience helped her in her personal development journey.

“Boardroom Apprentice enables people from different backgrounds to have an opportunity to be on a board” she said. 

“I wanted to be on a board for my personal development and to be able to give back to the community in which I live.

“Before applying I had no idea, to be honest, of what to expect and I thought it wouldn’t be as interesting as it was. I was wrong, as I soon found out the programme was far better than I ever expected.

“I learned so much about how boards work, the intricacies and about what I can bring to the board.

This year’s programme will run from September 1, 2023 – until August 31, 2024.

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com 

Outstanding International entry for the 10th anniversary of Derry Choir Festival.

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An outstanding International entry has been confirmed for the tenth anniversary edition of City of Derry International Choir Festival. Between 18-22 October 2023, choirs from around the world will travel to the city to compete for the Festival’s International prize, and to bring their song to local communities throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

On Saturday 21 October choirs from Norway, Latvia, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland will perform for an international panel of adjudicators in Derry’s Guildhall, as they compete for the Oak Tree of Derry trophy, the Festival’s top International prize. The competing choirs can also be heard at the Festival’s Closing Gala in the Millenium Forum on Sunday 22nd. Tickets will be on sale for both events in the summer.

Derry Choir Festival has only grown in stature since the International prize was first awarded in 2013, and is now a major attraction on the global circuit for the world’s top competitive choirs. The Festival offers a unique experience for singers, due to the prestige of the competition and the vibrant life and beauty of the city. Previous winners of the Oak Tree of Derry trophy have travelled from Estonia, Slovenia, Wales and Indonesia.

The visiting choirs will also be singing in a programme of free community events throughout Festival week, as they take their songs out into the city. The Festival’s busy schedule of community concerts and pop-up choral trail performances attract local audiences in their thousands each year, bringing visiting groups and local choirs together to perform throughout Derry City and the neighbouring towns of Strabane, Buncrana, Muff and Eglinton. In 2023 visiting non-competitive choirs from the Netherlands and students from the University of Monterrey and the Beckman Foundation in Mexico, will join the International competitors to take part in this community programme.

Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, said “There is already a sense of something special about this year’s 10th Anniversary celebrations of this great festival. It’s wonderful to look back on the fantastic programme of events in the City of Culture year of 2013, but it’s even more exciting to look forward to what we’ve planned for October 2023, to recognise how the city has developed over the past ten years and to celebrate that progress with thousands of singers from near and far. Keep an eye out for all the programme announcements over the coming months – you won’t want to miss a bar!”

For information on how to take part, or to sign up to the Festival’s newsletter for ticket announcements, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG: @derrychoirfest or Twitter: @derrychoirfest

Jazzy Gin at the Whitehouse!

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JAZZY GIN EVENTS LAUNCHED

‘The events will bring music and distilling together in County Antrim’

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Lough Neagh Partnership are hosting two special Jazzy Gin events in County Antrim in May.

These new events will offer gin and music lovers a unique opportunity to experience live music and sample gin varieties at The White House, Newtownabbey, on Saturday, May 13 and Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday, May 27.

The first Jazzy Gin event will take place on May 13 at The White House, Newtownabbey — a 400-year-old fortified house resting on the shore of Belfast Lough. It has witnessed many historical events from its position; from the sailing of the ships carrying King William’s armies to the Titanic sailing on her maiden voyage. Recently restored, the once-crumbling ruins of the White House are now a beautiful multipurpose space.

In fact, some sources claim it was King William of Orange who brought Gin to the United Kingdom upon his arrival from Holland!

Meanwhile, the 17th-century Antrim Castle Gardens, that tell of centuries of heritage, will be the backdrop to the second Jazzy Gin event on May 27.

Speaking about the events, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: “We are excited to be hosting these first Jazzy Gin events in the Borough in May. Events like this play a unique role in attracting visitors to the area while unveiling some of its tourism treasures and the talent of local businesses.

“Gin has been an increasingly popular tipple for many people over the past two decades and we believe when you pair gin with jazz music and the backdrop of some of our most impressive historical landmarks, magical memories for those attending can certainly be made while creating a positive impact on the local economy.”

Tickets are on sale now from www.jazzygin.com with a special early bird rate of £40 available for a limited time.

Please drink responsibly. Over 18’s only.

Offers of the Week from Discover NI

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The Titanic Hotel Belfast

The Titanic Hotel Belfast is offering the ultimate midweek break in the heart of the Titanic Quarter. The Midweek Sail package offers a luxurious stay and delicious buffet breakfast from £159 per person sharing a night. During your stay, you can enjoy the complimentary 24-hour car parking, allowing you to explore the diverse city of Belfast with ease. The area has many fascinating sites including the world-leading visitor attraction Titanic Belfast, the newly re-opened HMS Caroline and the new Titanic Distillery. Visit https://www.titanichotelbelfast.com/ for more information.

City Hotel Derry, Derry~Londonderry

The City Hotel Derry is offering a special Golden Years Break. Enjoy a romantic two-night stay at the central hotel, including breakfast and one three-course meal on an evening of your choice, from £156 per person sharing a night. Perched on the banks of the River Foyle, within a five-minute walk from the historic Derry Walls, the 4 star City Hotel Derry is the ideal location to explore this vibrant city. Visit https://www.cityhotelderry.com for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Water Is Not An Infinite Business Resource

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By Karl Fox, General Manager, PAC Enviro 

Late last year as global leaders met in Sharam El-Sheikh to discuss climate change at COP27 the issue of water, whether it be flooding in Pakistan or drought in east Africa was never far from the news reports. But the impact of water, and wastewater, closer to home is something that the industry must consider.

To the casual observer, it may seem strange that, in a country so blessed with rainfall, wastewater can have an environmental impact, yet the very treatment of it and managing the processes are drivers of change.

There are real costs in managing wastewater such as energy use and real costs to the environment if not done correctly. Industrial and domestic wastewater disposal is estimated to contribute nine per cent of worldwide anthropogenic methane emissions.

At PAC Enviro, a division of PAC Group, we are conscious that our clients, large and small, want to be part of the solution to the challenges set at COP27, and the ambitious targets set by Northern Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

Managing water in the workplace is a task that, in some ways, is similar to what you might do at home. Leaks from taps, inefficient toilet flushes and water used in cleaning are all part of the water use mix, but for businesses, there is the added driver of water charges, whether metered or assessed.

Businesses from all sectors from hospitality right through to major manufacturers can not only contribute to the climate goals but also save financially by committing to reusing their water by harvesting, treating and reusing their grey water, wastewater and rainwater.

As water is used at a high volume in manufacturing and engineering it is a resource that must be looked at in planning. Project management and applying the right software are the headline services that can be looked at for water use and wastewater treatment.

From screening the wastewater through to clarification and effluent disposal it can be up to an eight-stage process. Control and automation, plant optimisation, stand-alone solutions, upgrades, associated mechanical and services and pumping station control are part of the mix to be considered across all industry sectors, including agricultural, transport, manufacturing, hospitality and much more.

It is because of the breadth of water usage that all must take on the challenges. Where is our water used? How much does it cost? How is our wastewater managed? What impact does it have on climate? The answers to these questions are available and can be applied in a cost-effective way, in addition to working towards environmental accreditation to reassure clients that it is a responsible business.

That word – responsible – resonates across all industries as every part of society is becoming more acutely aware of the impact that there is no time to wait, and delays will be frowned upon.

I’m not talking about the extreme protests seen across England’s roads and motorways, but the ordinary person who is becoming more conscious of what they are contributing to climate change. That so-called ordinary person is a voter, a business owner, and a consumer. They each want to be part of the solution.

A business’ contribution to achieving net zero is not just an altruistic ambition but it also makes sense when applied to the bottom line. There are real economic advantages to looking at sustainable business planning. Managing wastewater must be part of that mix. Married with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, that target can be achieved.

With the recent increase in non-domestic water and sewerage rates in Northern Ireland, all businesses can not only contribute to achieving net zero but also save money by treating and reusing their grey water, rainwater and modern technology now means even their wastewater can be treated and reused.

The Climate Action Plan will demand that 80% of Northern Ireland’s energy will be from renewable resources by 2030. Unfortunately, we are well away from achieving that target despite almost 50% coming from those sources in 2022 from a base of almost zero 15 years ago.

The country stands at an environmental and economic crossroads. We as individuals can take action; we as business owners and investors can take action.

Businesses such as PAC Enviro and our other PAC Group divisions have been working towards developing efficient, environmentally sensitive solutions. Instead of staring into an abyss wondering what to do, the services are at hand. Whether it be the private or public sector there are ways to tackle the pressing issues for all of the country, and across the UK and Ireland.

What we cannot afford to do is avoid the need to act now. The future health and wellbeing of all of us and our country might seem like hyperbole, but it is the reality. Planning for the next business cycle may take up a lot of time, but a longer vision is also key.

The next time we are caught in a downpour, walk along a river, or even drive past a wastewater treatment plant it is worth considering how that precious resource is managed and how effective management can contribute to a more sustainable future.

VISIT THE WOODLAND TRUST’S BLUEBELL WOODS IN FULL BLOOM

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The enchanting and iconic bluebell wood is a breath-taking sight.

The Woodland Trust cares for more than 50 native woods in Northern Ireland, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies.

Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise. Bluebells hit their peak at different times across the UK and Ireland, and it can take until mid-May before woods in Northern Ireland are at their peak.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to the charity’s numerous sites throughout the region so everyone can have the chance to enjoy the spectacular spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland. The conservation charity’s top picks to visit this year include: Mourne Park in Kilkeel, Drumnaph Wood in Maghera and Prehen Wood in Derry/ Londonderry.

Mourne Park

With 156 hectares of woodland and 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland, Mourne Park is flourishing with multitudes of vibrant bluebells. The Woodland Trust even named one of its new trails ‘The Bluebell Walk’, a 1.8km amble through ancient woodland past a dense carpet of bluebells.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mournepark

Drumnaph Wood

One of the finest bluebell woods in Northern Ireland is Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, at the gateway to the Sperrins. This beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy an abundance of bluebells in the flower-rich woods and try spotting Irish hares in the rushy meadows.

Drumnaph Woods – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Prehen Wood

This rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk, long-eared owl and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City, and the River Foyle.

Prehen Wood – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Estate and Project Manager Dave Scott said:

“Ancient woods carpeted with bluebells are without doubt a sensory delight for people to visit. Our native bluebells are vital both ecologically and culturally and they are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.”

The Woodland Trust is asking visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads.

Dave continued: “It can be very tempting to stray from the path for that perfect photo or to get away from the crowds sometimes. But it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations because trampling by people and dogs can cause serious damage in seconds.”

The Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign encourages people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free.

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 602993 or email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Love Your Woods Love your woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust sites are free to enter and open all year round so come prepared for nature in its natural state. This means no toilets, cafés, bins, or cleaning staff – just unmissable views, clean air, birdsong, and woodland paths for you to wander along to your heart’s content. You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:

  • Stay on the paths
  • Take dog mess and litter home with you
  • Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close
  • Stay fire free
  • Leave sleepovers to the wildlife
  • Be considerate with den building
  • Park with consideration for others
  • Swimming is for wildlife only
  • Woods are not good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
  • Check access rules before cycling

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

  • protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique, and irreplaceable

restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life

  • establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.

COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND TO CELEBRATE WITH CORONATION BIG LUNCH

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Communities the length and breadth of Northern Ireland will come together this weekend to celebrate the Coronation with a series of Big Lunch events.

From Carrickfergus to Bangor, Enniskillen to Bushmills, communities are gathering to share food, friendship and fun with the Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by National Lottery.

Ainsley Harriott, Ambassador to The Big Lunch and Coronation Big Lunch, is urging the people of NI to take part in a ‘Big Knock’ to invite neighbours to join in Coronation Big Lunch celebrations. www.coronationbiglunch.com

Coronation Big Lunch events are taking place across Northern Ireland and include street parties, galas, public picnics, fancy dress parades and much more.

Grainne McCloskey, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, who are behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit is at the heart of this historic occasion, and we hope organisers will go on to make The Big Lunch an annual celebration of neighbourhood.

“With so many digging out the bunting, rustling up their favourite dishes and rallying the neighbours for a bit of craic, we’re sure it’s going to be a weekend to remember.”

Established in 2009, The Big Lunch takes place every year and encourages neighbours and communities to share food as a huge act of community spirit and this year neighbours can celebrate community with the Coronation Big Lunch and throughout Month of Community in June.

Research after last year’s Big Lunch evidenced more than eleven million people say they felt less lonely, 92% of organisers reported it had a positive impact on their community, and almost two thirds of people who took part said it encouraged people to get more involved in voluntary work. Since 2015, Big Lunch organisers have raised £70 million for good causes and the hope is more will be raised in 2023.

The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, forms part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend. The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.

For more information, to find an event taking place near you on the Coronation Big Lunch interactive map, or to register your own plans and download the special letter from the King and Queen, visit www.CoronationBigLunch.com

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