An annual event which aims to bring communities together has launched for 2024.

The Big Lunch is an initiative originally created by the Eden Project in Cornwall.

After The Big Jubilee and Coronation Big Lunch, the aim this year is to bring the nation together on June 1 and 2 to share food at street parties, park picnics, or back-yard barbecues. 

Great British Bake-Off winner and food writer Giuseppe Dell'Anno said: "The celebrations for the Jubilee and Coronation gave us great reasons to share a Big Lunch in our communities.

"But this year we don’t need an excuse to get together with friends and neighbours."

He encourages everyone to be part of this year's event that facilitates friendship, encourages sharing, and promotes community spirit.

Eden Project programme director, Lindsey Brummitt said: "Since 2010, we’ve been bringing people together to create happier and healthier communities thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes right across the UK".

Last year, more than 14 million people participated with a reported 75 per cent feeling a stronger sense of community spirit.

The Big Lunch, an Eden Project initiative supported by the National Lottery, has raised £87 million for good causes since 2015.