Barbara Windsor and Boris Johnson do Big Lunch

 The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today joined forces with his Street Party Ambassador and former EastEnders actress, Barbara Windsor MBE, to encourage Londoners to take part in this year’s Big Lunch.

The Lottery-funded event, taking place on Sunday 2 June, encourages people to get together on one day a year to share a few hours of food, friendship and fun.

Research commissioned by The Big Lunch has revealed that more than two and a half million Londoners don’t know their neighbours’ names. Two thirds of those surveyed in London don’t know their neighbours at all, with shyness and lack of time being cited as the main reasons behind this. The Mayor today called on Londoners to buck this trend and try to get to know their neighbours.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It has been proven that in areas where people know their neighbours, crime falls and there is a greater sense of community. 2012 was an epic year for the city and Londoners wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to gather together to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Games. It would be an absolute travesty if we weren’t able to harness the goodwill that was generated.

“Events like The Big Lunch are a fantastic way to get people together and can be done simply, by sharing a plate of food or having a shindig on their street. So if you have a hankering to experience more community spirit, why don’t you knock on your neighbours’ door and rally everyone together for a good old fashioned street party.’

The Mayor of London’s Street Party Ambassador, Barbara Windsor MBE, has championed The Big Lunch since it began in 2009. She said: “Last year we were all gearing up for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and there was such a lovely, positive atmosphere across London.”

“I attended a Big Lunch myself, along with 8.5 million people across the UK, and had a great time getting to know new people, enjoying a cup of tea and having a good old knees up. I thoroughly recommend it.’

Big Lunches can be big or small, and take place on a street, garden or community space, anywhere where neighbours can get together and have fun. The initiative is led by the Eden Project and supported by MasterCard, Kingsmill and Asda. For further information or to request your free pack including posters, invitations, a planner and other materials to help organise your Big Lunch, visit: www.thebiglunch.com.

In 2009 Boris made a cameo appearance in BBC One soap EastEnders appearing alongside Barbara’s character of feisty matriarch Peggy Mitchell.