Big Lunch 2026

 

The Big Lunch – Sunday 12th July | 11am–2:30pm

Great Chart Playing Fields

Our Big Lunch is the highlight of the year — and we’d love you to come along and be part of it!

Taking place on Sunday 12th July, from 11am until 2:30pm on the beautiful Great Chart Playing Fields, the Big Lunch is a relaxed, family‑friendly celebration of our local community. Whether you come for the whole afternoon or just pop by for an hour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Free to enter, free to enjoy

The ethos of the Big Lunch has always been simple: everyone is welcome, and entry will always be free. A number of activities are also completely free, including the ever‑popular bouncy castles, so children can jump and play to their hearts’ content while adults relax nearby.

Bring along a picnic blanket, find yourself a sunny (or shady!) spot on the grass, and enjoy your lunch while listening to the DJ’s tunes or watching our fantastic local performers.

Local stalls, food and fundraising

Alongside the free activities, there will be plenty to wander around and explore. We’ll have a lovely mix of small local businesses, fundraising stalls, community groups and voluntary organisations, all raising money or showcasing what they do.

There will also be a select number of food vendors on site if you’d rather leave the picnic at home.

And don’t forget the much‑loved Parish Council BBQ — run by your parish councillors themselves! You’ll be able to buy burgers, hot dogs and drinks at low cost, with all appropriate hygiene certificates in place. It’s always a firm favourite and a great way to support the event.

Entertainment & activities

We’re delighted to welcome a range of local performers who will provide entertainment throughout the day, giving you plenty to stop and watch between bites of lunch.

You’ll also find:

~ A face painter for children (and the young at heart!)

~ Local sports clubs running taster activities on the playing fields, so you can have a go and see if you would like to join

~ Open space to relax, play informal games, and catch up with neighbours and friends

 A true community day

The Big Lunch is all about coming together — meeting new people, supporting local groups, and enjoying a laid‑back summer afternoon in the heart of the parish. Whether you’re a long‑time resident or new to the area, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.

 

This year’s performers will include:

Ashford Concert Band - Ashford Concert Band – Making Music in Ashford, Kent since 2003

Simia Circus - Simia Circus

Ashford Community Drumming Band - AshfordCommunityDrumBand - Drum&ink

This year’s stallholders will include:

1st Singleton Scouts https://www.ashfordscouts.org.uk/spage-groups-1st_singleton.html
2 of a Kind Handmade resin jewellery
AOC Archeology Group www.aocarchaeology.com
Cats Protection www.facebook.com/catsprotectionashford
Children's Prize Games Children's Prize Games
CK Cupcakes www.facebook.com/CKCupcakes
Clarice's Pre Loved Books Children's Books
Dandelion Moon https://www.instagram.com/dandelionmooncrafts/
Differences Not Disabilities https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559713771946
Dreamdragons https://www.dreamdragons.co.uk
East Kent Baby Memorial www.facebook.com/EKBMGG
Education at SEC https://www.singletonenvironmentcentre.org.uk
Finberry Resin https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566648789007
Guide Dogs https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
Handmade for Pilgrims Fundraising activities
Jo Parker Pocket money toys
Knots Woods Design www.facebook.com/knotswood
Little Music Stars www.facebook.com/littlemusicstars.co.uk
Messy Church Craft stall
Pilgrims Hospice www.pilgrimshospices.org
Pretty Hair Bowtique Hair bows
Puddle Ducks https://www.facebook.com/PuddleDucksEastKent
R&R Dog Treats www.randrdogtreats.co.uk
Repair Café https://www.ashfordrepaircafe.org.uk/
Shepherd Crafts www.facebook.com/shepherdcrafts
Singleton Community Church https://www.ashfordtownparish.co.uk/singleton
Pilgrims Football Club https://www.pilgrimsfc.co.uk/
Great Chart Cricket Club https://www.greatchartcc.co.uk/
Flora the Singleton Giant https://singletongiant.org.uk/en/
Sand Art and MeAmora Nails https://meamora.co.uk/collections/all

and still accepting bookings until 6th July.

This year’s food vendors will include:

The Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council BBQ - they don't have social media links - they make their own fame!

Blooming Beans Coffee - Facebook

Wayne's Whippys - Facebook

Go Nuts For Donuts -  Facebook

Rowie's Pizza -  Facebook