CHIPPING Sodbury’s Big Lunch will once again be celebrating a royal milestone.
This year’s community takeover of Broad Street will be held on Sunday May 7, the day after King Charles III’s Coronation during the second of three bank holiday weekends in the month.
Last year the Big Lunch marked the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and was one of dozens of street parties and special events held across the district.
This time South Gloucestershire Council has not reported any other official street closures in the Yate and Sodbury area for parties.
But there is a celebration bike ride in Yate and some libraries are hosting tea and cake events.
Chipping Sodbury’s Big Lunch is likely to be the biggest Coronation event locally – with thousands expected to join the party as Broad Street is closed to traffic.
Organisers say there will be bands, dance acts and entertainment. Families are being invited to bring their own chairs and tables, and picnic, although local cafes and pubs are also set to open serving food and drink .
Alexandra Dent, from the voluntary committee that organises the event, said: “It is part of the organising committee’s ethos never to charge for anything at the Big Lunch and particularly this year with the cost of living crisis, we want to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to celebrate the Coronation.
“The line up this year includes some bands, dance acts and entertainment as well as fund for the children with bubble fun and a make your own crown competition.
“To honour the new King’s love of nature, people can also take part in a miniature garden competition, which they should make in advance but bring on the day.
“There will be plenty of Union Jacks and a chance to enjoy our great British spirit – so put the date in your diary!”
This is the tenth annual Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch. In April outgoing Sodbury Mayor James Ball presented the organisers with an award for their hard work for the community.
For updates on the Big Lunch visit the event’s Facebook page.
Other events in the area include:
*Coronation cream tea from 2.30-3.45pm on May 5 at Yate Library (advance bookings only)
*Coronation celebration with games and picnic Abbotswood Residents Association at the St Nicholas Church family centre from 10.30am on May 7.
*Coronation celebration bike rides from Yate Community Bike Hub at Yate Shopping Centre on May 8. A 14km ride sets off at 10am and a shorter family-friendly ride to Kingsgate Park leaves at 11.30am, followed by games and refreshments.
For more details of Coronation events visit coronation.gov.uk/events
Picture shows organisers of Chipping Sodbury’s 2022 Big Lunch, which had a Platinum Jubilee theme. Picture: Rich McD