BIG plans are underway for this year’s Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch.


Thousands of people are expected to pack up their picnics for the annual community get together, which takes place in Broad Street on Sunday, June 7th, where they will be treated to an afternoon of completely free entertainment.


The Big Lunch, part of a national initiative run by the Eden Project to get neighbours together on the first Sunday of every June, will take on the theme of a traditional British Victory Day street party.


“We want the people of Chipping Sodbury to dig out their Union Jack bunting and join us for what has become a highlight in the town’s busy calendar of fantastic community events,” said Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch chairman Alexandra Womack.


“Last year our 1940s vintage theme proved extremely popular and we are echoing that with a Victory in Europe Day-style street party for 2015, tying in with the 70th anniversary of VE Day.


“Some people may remember the street parties which erupted at the end of World War Two back in 1945 and we hope to honour those celebrations with traditional games, music and entertainment as well as some modern additions.”


During the event, which runs from 12noon until 6pm, there will be Punch and Judy shows, performances by vocal harmony trio The Cat’s Pyjamas and Sodbury Players and cookery demonstrations on using leftover food by local chef Ann Murray.

Bristol Samba Band will again return for a show-stopping display and locally-based groups Razzamataz, Yate Star Twirlers and Stapleton School of Dance are among those to perform on a haycart stage.


Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club will hold a children’s ‘have-a-go’ stall, 2509 Yate and Chipping Sodbury Squadron ATC will host a free simulated training experience and characters Anna and Elsa, from Disney film Frozen, will be making an appearance.


Youngsters will be invited to take part in a red, white and blue fancy dress competition and a Chipping Sodbury-themed photography contest, for under 11s, will be judged on the day by local photographer Rich McDonough.


Added Alexandra: “All the entertainment will be completely free, an aspect of the Big Lunch which is very important to us, thanks to funding from Waitrose and Chipping Sodbury Town Lands’ Charity.


“There is a lot going on this year and we hope people will come along with their picnics and tables and chairs to take part in the fun.”


Pubs and cafes will be open offering hot food plus there will be a vintage ice cream van parked in Broad Street during the afternoon.


For more information search Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch on Facebook or on www.mysodbury.co.uk.