The concept of The Community Big Lunch was inspired by similar events that had previously taken place. It was given a revival in 2023 and was centred around health and well-being, with local people invited to bring donations for food banks, and enjoy a picnic in their local parks.
Although Start Thurrock didn’t even have a formal identity at the time, we recognised the potential of such a gathering. By contributing to the creative activities which amplified the event’s impact, we were able to listen to the community and engage with them through our signature ‘pots and pebbles’ consultations. This allowed members of the public to vote on their favourite art forms and share what’s important to them. It became clear that green spaces for families were top priorities and people longed for opportunities to celebrate their community. In particular, our circus workshop was a huge hit.
In 2024, we worked in close partnership with Thurrock CVS, Thurrock Council, and Impulse Leisure to co-create a community-driven event where everyone brought their own expertise – the council secured the necessary permissions and invited service providers to bring free activities for families, Thurrock CVS invited local voluntary groups and volunteers to attend, and Impulse Leisure provided additional physical activities. Active Essex also got involved and provided bouncy castles and sports activities for some of the events. It truly was a collaborative experience, and as a result, we were able to support seven Big Lunches and a Picnic in the Park, providing free creative activities across the borough, during the summer holidays. These free events offered a great way to come together with family and friends, and celebrate open spaces. People could share a picnic, join in the fun, watch incredible circus acts, and also get involved in sports activities or arts and crafts.
For Start Thurrock, this wasn’t just showing up with a circus act. As well as workshops, we offered new types of performance that merged circus with other art forms like dance, theatre and Hip Hop. Working with Autin Dance Theatre we even put together a community cast so people could shape the movements in their show. Locals weren’t just spectators – they became creators and performers alongside the professionals in Thurrock’s version of ‘The Giant Wheel’.
What made these events even more special was that communities had a say in what they wanted to see – in Tilbury and Purfleet-On-Thames residents helped scout the acts, and then voted on their preferences, helping to shape the final performances. A group of 35 residents attended the ‘Out There’ International Festival of Circus & Outdoor Arts in Great Yarmouth to select their favourite acts. They actively contributed feedback, discussing what worked and why. And their willingness to experiment and try new things was truly inspiring.
Beyond the curated performances from leading circus companies like Mimbre, Simple Cypher, Upswing and many more, the days included hands-on activities designed ahead of time by local residents in collaboration with K&B Designs and Scotty Brave. Members of the public turning up on the day could contribute to creating a mural for a local community pantry in Purfleet, and spray-painting old containers in Chadwell-St -Mary. This allowed more people to connect with the process and feel proud of what they’d created. An interactive, live talk-show from The People Speak called Talkaoke, also gave people the opportunity to have their say – by passing a mic around, a host invited contributions and comments so that people could discuss and develop their ideas. You can listen to the audio piece here which combines Talkaokes from three Big Lunches.
It was heartwarming to have hundreds of people share their perspectives on the quality of the experience and what Start Thurrock offers. At a time of national unrest, we felt deeply encouraged by feedback from residents who thanked us for providing free, family-friendly activities during the holidays and praised these events for bringing people together, and creating a sense of community and belonging.
As we prepare for 2025, Start Thurrock is committed to listening to the creative ideas and interests of our communities and letting the people have their say.
It’s hoped The Community Big Lunch will continue to evolve and whether someone contributes to an idea, a vote, or simply brings their energy on the day, it will be a celebration that belongs to everyone, with art, creativity, and collaboration at its heart.
