Northampton writer becomes face of the 'Big Virtual Lunch' to keep virtual spirit alive

Last June, over 45,000 people from Northampton ate together in their neighbourhoods as part of the Big Lunch appeal.

Street parties like that won't be happening this year - but a Northampton writer has become the face of 2020's 'Big Virtual Lunch' to keep community spirit alive in the lockdown.

Laura Graham, founder of the Happy Hood Northampton magazine, is the face, and the voice, of a poem to help launch The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch, taking place on June 6-7.

Neighbourhoods are being encouraged to organise a big video call and eat together or even just raise a cup of tea together from their doorsteps.

Laura, who has organised three Big Lunches for her neighbourhood in Spencer Road in the past, said: "I’m a huge believer in strong communities and having that connection to others around us.

"I am so proud of my street and the way everyone gets involved in The Big Lunch every year. The aim is to bring the whole street together and it works brilliantly.

"We are hoping to do something this year but we just have to wait and see what life will be like in June. The main priority is keeping everyone safe."

The Big Lunch, which was launched by the Eden Project and supported by The National Lottery, usually attracts millions of people across the UK. Last year over 6 million people took part in 100,000 Big Lunch events.

This summer for the first time in its 10 year history, The Big Lunch will become The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch, with online events running across June 6-7.

For more information visit The Big Lunch website.