500 attend the Big Band Big Lunch

Thursday, 11 June 2015

The University welcomed 500 staff, students and members of the local community at its first ever Big Band Big Lunch on Sunday 7 June set in the beautiful London Road campus in Reading.

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project.  Running since 2009, the aim is to get as a many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours on the first Sunday in June in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. Last year 5 million people had lunch together on the Big Lunch weekend.

Directed by Amber Nunn, the University’s own Big Band (comprising students, staff and members of the community) entertained the crowds with three 35- minute sets with jazz, swing and popular songs. They performed pieces ranging from ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ to ‘Can’t buy me Love’, culminating with an encore of Uptown Funk, with a dance-off led by RUSU’s Swing Dance society.

There was something for everyone: the games from the Museum of English Rural Life were a great success, as were the activities led by RUSU’s Circus Skills Society, who taught children (and some adults!) to juggle and play the diabolo and hoopla all afternoon. The children's trail run by the Chaplaincy was enjoyed by many and the two story-telling sessions in the Learning Hub proved very popular.  It was particularly special to welcome Rosie Godfrey, author of 'WHOA! Joe', to read her book to a captivated audience of 3-5 year olds.

With a BBQ, a Pimm’s tent and the real ale festival, all organised by our catering team, many people were still relaxing in the sun enjoying a drink or two, as the events team packed up at 4:30pm.

Mark Taylor, Senior AV Technician, part of our IT team said:

“It was fantastic to bring my family to the University of Reading’s first Big Band Big Lunch in the beautiful grounds of our London Road campus. We had four generations together, including my dad (a Reading alumni), my daughter and my baby grandson too. I really hope we can do something like this on an annual basis, for staff and their families, students and of course the local community.”

University of Reading Community Relations Manager Ann Westgarth said:

“It was lovely to see so many people of all ages at such a great event. Many of the people I spoke to said how much they were enjoying the wonderful relaxed atmosphere. There was also lots for the children to do too.”

Sir David Bell, the Vice-Chancellor added:

“Yesterday’s Big Band Big Lunch was a lovely opportunity for me to spend time with my family, relaxing together over our picnic lunch and listening to some really great music in wonderful surroundings.  Thank you to colleagues in events, catering, grounds, security, MERL, the Chaplaincy and our London Road Porters for making the event so special.”

Find out more about Music at Reading

Find out more about the Big Lunch

Find out more about the Museum of English Rural Life