News

The Big Lunch returns to Thurrock for summer 2025

2 June 2025

Residents of Thurrock can once again get together with friends and family and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor fun and activities thanks to the return of Big Lunches.

The Big Lunch is a community-run initiative, supported by a partnership between Start Thurrock, Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, Impulse Leisure and Active Essex.

The Big Lunch returns to South Ockendon, East Tilbury, Chadwell-St-Mary, Purfleet-on-Thames, Aveley and Corringham.

This year, a brand-new Big Lunch is coming to Blackshots in Grays and The Tilbury Picnic in the Park, organised by the Tilbury Riverside Project, is also set to be a brilliant day.

Thanks to Start Thurrock, visitors to the Big Lunches will be able to enjoy a range of exciting workshops, performances and creative activities at each location.

Impulse Leisure and Active Essex will be putting on physical activities, sports and games for people of all ages to try, plus there will be stalls, face painting, music, performances and a DJ.

Entry to The Big Lunches, and the majority of activities, are free and families are encouraged to come along with a picnic to share.

Some additional activities may incur a small cost, and refreshments such as tea, coffee, ice creams and cakes will be available to buy on the day.

Katie Beadle, Creative Director at Start Thurrock, said: “We can’t wait for the Big Lunches to start again this year, they’ve become such a big part of the summer for us.

“We will be bringing an exciting dance act to each of the locations, and I know people will not want to miss out on seeing these brilliant performers.”

Councillor Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and Environment, said: “The Big Lunches have become one of the highlights of summer in Thurrock and the great thing about them is that they are organised and led by community. I am so proud that the council is once again able to support their brilliant efforts.”

Big Lunch Events

South Ockendon – Monday 28 July

Dilkes Park, Fairham Ave, South Ockendon, RM15 5NN

East Tilbury – Thursday 31 July

Gobions Park, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, RM18 8TN

Chadwell-St-Mary – Thursday 7 August

Pyramid Resource Centre, Heath Rd, Grays, RM16 3AP

Purfleet-on-Thames – Wednesday 13 August

On the Green (by the Beacon), Centurion Way, Purfleet-On-Thames, RM19 1QA

Blackshots –  Monday 18 August

Impulse Leisure, King George’s Field, Blackshots Lane, RM16 2LP

Aveley – Friday 22 August

Recreational Ground, High St, Aveley, RM15 4BX

Corringham – Thursday 28 August

Corringham Town Park, Springhouse Rd, Corringham, SS17 7LF

Picnic in the Park:

Tilbury – Wednesday 6 August

The Anchor Fields, Tilbury, RM18 8EY

For more information: Big Lunches & Picnic in the Park 2025 - Start Thurrock

Why not share your Big Lunch pictures using hashtag #ThurrockBigLunch