THOUSANDS of people are expected to converge on the town centre to join Bicester’s second annual Big Lunch.

Preparations have begun for the free event on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 5pm.

Hundreds of tables and chairs will line Sheep Street, Crown Walk and Pioneer Square and residents are being urged to pack a picnic and join the fun.

There will also be stages for entertainment – The Big Sheep, in Sheep Street, and The Pioneer Stage, in Pioneer Square – for local musicians and bands, plus a performance arena in Crown Walk, where dance and martial arts groups will perform.

It comes after the success of last year’s event which saw more than 3,500 people join the fun.

Organiser Jason Slaymaker said: “People can bring picnics and share food with family and friends. It’s all about bringing the community together. Last year was a huge success because everyone came together, brought their lunch and got involved in the entertainment. Everyone mucked in to help.

“It was brilliant – the atmosphere was amazing.

“This year we are inviting people to Bicester’s biggest street party of the year.

“Our Big Lunch is one of the biggest in the country.”

He said he wants to top last year’s 3,500 lunch-goers.

For more information, visit bicestersbiglunch.org.uk

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