Thurrock Big Lunches
Bringing Communities Together Through Physical Activity
The Thurrock Big Lunch events began in summer 2024 as a way to bring local communities together in parks and open spaces. In 2025, Active Essex played a key role in strengthening and expanding the programme, with a clear focus on increasing physical activity, community connection and access to free opportunities for families during the school holidays.
Part‑funded through the Place Partnership programme and Essex ActivAte (HAF), the Big Lunches were delivered through a collaborative working group made up of Thurrock Council, Impulse Leisure, Thurrock CVS, Start Thurrock and Active Essex. This partnership approach led to the successful delivery of six Big Lunch events and one Picnic in the Park across Thurrock in summer 2025, while also strengthening relationships between partners to support future place‑based work.
The events featured a wide range of free “Come and Try” activities delivered by local providers, encouraging families to get active and try something new. Activities included skate park demonstrations and coaching, basketball competitions, tennis coaching from the Lawn Tennis Association, and sessions in Zumba, yoga, karate, crazy golf and a variety of dance styles, from traditional Maypole to vibrant Bhangra.
Supporting Communities to Be Active
Active Essex was a key funding partner, contributing through both the Place Partnership programme and Essex ActivAte (HAF). This funding enabled a diverse range of sporting and physical activity providers to deliver free coaching sessions and demonstrations at each event. Active Essex was also an active member of the working group, supporting the planning, coordination and on site delivery of the Big Lunches. Being present at the events allowed the team to engage directly with residents, gather feedback and gain valuable insight into how Thurrock’s open spaces are used, and what communities want to see in their local areas to support being active. In addition, Active Essex supported children and families engaged in the Essex ActivAte programme by providing 600 free meals across two Big Lunch events. Families attending HAF clubs were given vouchers to exchange for meals at park cafés, helping to reduce financial pressure during the school holidays.
Key learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future
Growing Demand
Attendance more than doubled due to increased funding and free activities.
Capacity Pressures
Higher numbers created challenges with parking, staffing and queues.
Right Venues & Messaging
Venues and pre‑event messaging need to support active travel and access.
Planning Capacity
Delivery is resource‑intensive; processes need to be streamlined.
Smarter Support
Bringing in the Find Your Active Navigator will support future delivery.
Active Essex’s involvement helped increase physical activity participation and encouraged greater use of Thurrock’s green spaces. Data collected at each venue has provided valuable insight into the needs and preferences of local communities, supporting future Place Partnership planning and targeted activity delivery.
Perhaps most importantly, the working group has developed strong, trusting relationships built through shared success and challenge, creating a solid foundation for future collaborative programmes across Thurrock.
Partnerships
- Active Essex
- Thurrock Council
- Thurrock CVS
- Impulse Leisure
- Start Thurrock
- Local physical activity and arts providers
- Community services including Police and Ambulance Service
Following the success of the 2025 programme, plans are already in place for Big Lunch events in 2026 and 2027. Funding has been confirmed through Place Partnership and Essex ActivAte, alongside Thurrock Council and Start Thurrock contributions.
As the events continue to grow, the partnership will explore sponsorship opportunities and/or small charges for certain attractions (such as bouncy castles) to support long‑term sustainability while keeping the events accessible.
