Eden's 'Big Jubilee Lunch' brings together Ukrainian families and their hosts
Millions of people are thought to have attended street parties and events, including in Cornwall
Last updated 6th Jun 2022
The Eden Project's Big Jubilee Lunch has helped bring together Ukrainian families and hosts as part of the end of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Some 200,000 Jubilee events were scheduled to take place over the weekend, with more than 12 million people expected to have visited street parties, BBQs and picnics.
Ian Toogood-Johnson from St Austell attended the Biomes' event, inviting 120 people, including Ukrainian refugees settling in the St Austell area and their host families, to come along to meet others and make new connections.
He and his wife Michelle have been helping match Ukrainian families coming into the UK with homes in Cornwall, creating a Facebook community where all are able to support one another.
Ian said: “It's been really fantastic, I've seen people meeting up, people who don't know each other, all coming from Ukraine, I've seen them networking, exchanging phone numbers.
"Everyone's starting to arrive in the country and we thought it'd be nice to have a little welcome and it just so happened to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee. We got hold of Eden to ask if we could block book with all of our families".
Ian continued: "It’s important to bring everyone together as a community. It’s not just about St Austell, it’s not just about Britain, we’re all one big family worldwide.
"The Ukrainians really need our support and St Austell and the surrounding areas have opened up their hearts and homes to them and this is a way of saying thank you and welcome to our area".
The Jubilee day was an official part of Her Majesty The Queen’s special Platinum Jubilee celebrations and along with Ian and his families; it offered free entry for all visitors to enjoy a day together.
Families who attended got involved in entertainment, crafts, games and live music, including the St Austell Town Band, Truro School of Samba and Boom Circus.
The idea of The Big Lunch happens annually with The National Lottery, and was first started at Eden and was set up to encourage conversations and let new people meet one another.
Every June it invites millions of people to get together with neighbours and communities.
Si Bellamy OBE, Chief Activation Officer of the Eden Project, said: "What a fantastic day of bringing people together at Eden, around the county and beyond. As the home of the Big Lunch we feel incredibly proud to be able to play our part in celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to commemorate her 70 years of devoted service.
"At Eden, we pride ourselves on bringing people together across the community.
"It has been heartwarming to see such a gathering here today with joy and celebration in Her Majesty’s honour. It has been a day to remember".