A COMMUNITY get-together will encourage residents to share a lunch this weekend.

Dalton Creatives will host a Big Lunch at the Community Hall, Nelson Street, on Sunday June 18.

The group was launched earlier this year for creative thinkers and activists to bring the people of Dalton together in shared spaces.

Shaun Blezard, director for the group, said: "We wanted to get a group going to start up a range of events and projects that the community in Dalton can get involved in.

"We thought hosting a Big Lunch would be a good launch event to get things moving. We're just asking people to come along to the community centre and enjoy some soup and lunch."

The group will be providing simple lunches, but also encourage guests to bring their own offerings to the table.

Mr Blezard said: "We're asking people to do a Jacobs Join and bring some food to share, whatever that may be.

"People can bring sandwiches or bake a cake. If you don't cook just bring a couple of bags of crisps or things that are good for sharing.

"If anyone is a really good cook they might want to make a speciality dish. There's no pressure to do anything in particular, just share a lunch together."

As well as food, the group hope to have an array of entertainment on show for the hungry crowds.

Mr Blezard said: "It can be anything really. If anyone has songs to sing or magicians to do some tricks or even someone to make paper hats. It might even be that someone comes to tell children's stories in the corner.

"We want it to be fairly floaty so people can come and surprise us. We're up for anything as long as it isn't dangerous or illegal."

Big Lunches will take place up and down the country this weekend, with the annual event by the Eden Project now in its ninth year.

While the event is open for all, including families with babies through to older guests, the group also hope to appeal to anyone thinking about attending alone.

Mr Blezard said: "I think one of the problems we have in Dalton is isolation and social anxiety.

"I suffer from social anxiety myself and I know how difficulty it can be if people don't know anyone.

"If anyone wants to have a quick chat beforehand they're more than welcome to get in touch or look out for me and we'll do our best to make you feel comfortable.

The two-hour event, which starts at noon, is free for all to attend, and the group are hoping it proves a popular event.

Mr Blezard said: "I'd be very happy if 20 people come but we're hoping for around 80 if we can.

"We can't tell because we haven't done anything like this before but we've been working hard to put the word out around the town."

Read more:

Dalton Creatives to bring arts and community events to town.