BASILDON Council is encouraging residents to get involved in organising a Big Jubilee Lunch as part of this summer's celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The Big Lunch is a yearly event for neighbours and communities to come together for food and fun, and this year it's a part of the official Jubilee goings-on over the extended four-day bank holiday weekend between Thursday, 2 June to Sunday, 5 June.

A Big Lunch can be anything from a small gathering in a garden, park or driveway, to a larger party with trestle tables down the middle of your street.

A statement from the council says: "Volunteers are wanted for Big Lunch events within our borough's parks and community spaces on 5 June, to host lunches for your friends and family or for the wider local community.

"If residents want to host a party in their street, then applications are open on our website for closing the street with a street party application."

Chairman of the communities and wellbeing committee Cllr Terri Sargent said: "This summer's Platinum Jubilee will show the best of Basildon, being a chance for the whole borough to come together and celebrate as one.

"The Big Jubilee Lunch is a big part of the historic occasion, and provides a perfect opportunity to share food, have fun, and get to know your local community a little better.

"We really encourage residents to get involved in organising one in your street or one of our beautiful parks, to make the occasion a real one to remember."

Residents are advised to submit street party applications at least eight weeks before the Jubilee weekend to allow for time to process the requests.

The council's dedicated Jubilee webpage will be updated regularly with all the goings-on across our borough, including information on how to organise a street party road closure. Visit: www.basildon.gov.uk/PlatinumJubilee

For more information about volunteering to help organise a Big Lunch in one of our borough's parks and community spaces, please email [email protected].