The Big Jubilee Lunch brings Manchester communities together for Queen's Diamond celebrations

STREET PARTY: The Big Jubilee Lunch

By Dean Wilkins

Manchester communities are being urged to get together for The Big Jubilee Lunch and celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on June 3.

Simon Rimmer, Manchester’s award-winning restaurateur and TV chef, joined the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Harry Lyons on Albert Square to announce this year’s street party preparations, yesterday.

Residents across the city can apply for grants of up to £200 from the Manchester City Council to hold their own neighbourhood events this summer.

Simon Rimmer said: “The Big Lunch is excellent in getting communites across Greater Manchester excited about food and connecting with one another. This year’s Diamond Jubilee is a fantastic way for people to come together and host their own street parties.

“There was a hugely positive response after the city’s terrible riots last summer, and now I hope people will continue that approach of looking out for one another, and food is a great of doing it.”

Helen Bollough, Head of the North West region at the Big Lottery fund, said: “There seems to be a real ground swell of interest in organising Big Jubilee Lunches across Manchester and we hope that more people in the region than ever will take part in events in their communities this summer.”

JUBILEE LUNCH: Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, Councillor Harry Lyons, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Helen Bullough, Big Lottery Fund

Now in its fourth year, The Big Lunch is looking to build upon the 2million people who took part in 2011 and this summer a record number of Mancunian celebrators are expected to tuck in.

The Big Lunch is led by the Eden Project in collaboration with the Big Lottery Fund, MasterCard, EDF Energy, Kingsmill and Asda.

To request a free starter pack, with invitations, posters and recipe ideas visit www.thebiglunch.com or to apply for a £200 grant please visit www.manchester.gov.uk/diamonds. All applications must be submitted between April 12 and 30.

ALL SMILES: Jacquelyn Reynolds, plus mum and baby Jasmine, Paul Selby who are all taking part in this year's Big Jubilee Lunch celebrations