To mark the special occasion, Eden opened its doors for free so that visitors could come and enjoy a day together as part of The Big Jubilee Lunch.
Among the spectacular array of entertainment on offer were Boom Circus with an impressive acrobatic display, interactive shows and stilt performances from Jimmy Juggles, the captivating In a Bubble show and circus tricks with Dr. Pandemonious Fish.
In addition, the joyous atmosphere was amplified by live music provided by the 30-piece brass St Austell Town Band, Truro School of Samba and singer-songwriter Alex Robertson.
In the Core building, craft activities included a giant 3D Paint by Numbers where visitors helped transform a black and white street party scene into a colourful Big Lunch artwork. There was also the opportunity to make Jubilee-themed magnets, create stars with seeds and join in with collaborative bunting-making.
Other opportunities for fun included a series of four games where players learned how to support pollinators, chalk drawing, the Create a Buzz Pollination Trail in Eden’s Outdoor Gardens where visitors discovered fascinating stories about plants and pollinators and a booklet game designed to seek out bird loving flowers in the Mediterranean Biome.
Despite the mixed weather forecast, several thousand people met at Eden to enjoy their own picnics or special limited Jubilee Picnic Boxes prepared freshly by the Eden chefs.
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.”
Joining in the community celebrations today was local resident Ian Toogood-Johnson who, together with his wife Michelle, arranged for a group of 120 visitors comprised of Ukrainian refugee families and their host families to come together, make connections with one another and soak up the festivities at The Big Jubilee Lunch at Eden.
Ian and his wife Michelle have been helping match Ukrainian families coming into the UK with host families here in Cornwall, creating an online Facebook community where all are able to support one another.
Ian said: “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 Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery. It is the UK's largest annual celebration for neighbours and communities that every June invites millions of people to stop what they're doing and get together in a nationwide act of community, friendship and fun.
This year, The Big Jubilee Lunch is an official part of Her Majesty The Queen’s special Platinum Jubilee celebrations. In total, over 200,000 events were scheduled to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend in communities across the UK with more than 12 million people expected to have participated in street parties, BBQs and picnics.
Among a multitude of events taking place in communities across Cornwall was a three-day programme of celebrations in Tregony which kicked off on Thursday (June 2) with a BBQ and games event at the local Sports Club and a beacon lighting. This was followed on Friday (June 3) with a special commemorative tree planting and bench unveiling. The festivities culminated today (June 5) with a street party at the Kings Arms pub which featured games, music and competitions.
Meanwhile Lostwithiel Community Centre, adorned with bunting and paperchains handmade by local children over half-term, played host to a picnic celebration which saw 22 tables dressed for the jubilee and entertainment in the form of live music.
In Ludgvan a Platinum Jubilee Big Picnic Lunch and Fun Day began with a march by the Penzance Silver Town Band and a small procession which included members the local scouts and sea cadets. The lunch was accompanied by stalls, displays, music, competitions and a dog show.
For more information on The Big Lunch see www.edenprojectcommunities.com.
