Neelam Aggarwal, from Northampton, 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, Neelam 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.”
Neelam added: “It has been absolutely amazing to be part of such a wonderful day. I’ve met so many incredible people planning lots of different things for the platinum jubilee, all over the country. It is wonderful to be a part of it. I’m so grateful to be here.”
Neelam is Chair of the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, which held an Indian-style Big Lunch in 2012, which is now an annual fixture. A lifelong volunteer, Neelam and her team won the Queen’s Voluntary Award in 2021 for their spectacular Diwali events and their community support during the pandemic. Neelam’s Big Lunch takes place in Northampton on 5 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.
Peter Stewart, Executive Director of the The Big Lunch initiative, said: “The Big Lunch has been bringing neighbours and communities together on the first weekend in June for over a decade and what an extra special year 2022 is going to be! We know that good things happen when people come together and so we want to invite everyone everywhere to take part – that’s what makes The Big Jubilee Lunch BIG! With only two months to go until a once in a lifetime event, now is the time to gather your neighbours, rally your road, and get ready to celebrate this historic moment together.”
