Members of the community came together to enjoy the annual Great Big Green Lunch at Southport Market.
Organised by The Hearth CIC and supported by a range of local businesses, community organisations and volunteers, this was the second year this event has taken place.
It was part of The Eden Project’s Big Lunch and The Climate Coalition’s Great Big Green Week – celebrating community, care for one another and care for the planet, all through the simple, powerful act of spending time together around a shared table.
People of all ages gathered on Sunday 7th June 2026 for a day of sharing food, making friendships, and enjoying live music from the likes of Yooks and G:Force Gospel Choir.
There was a baking competition, crafts and activities, while guests were welcome to bring a dish to share with the community.
It was a chance to make how we eat part of the solution: boosting health, building community, and reducing environmental impact one bite at a time.
Last year’s event was held at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street, with Southport Market the chosen venue this year.
The Hearth Directors Rebecca Armstrong and Nadia Speers-Robinson said:
“We feel so incredibly grateful – not just for the food but for all the people who made it so special.
“A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guests of honour, Patrick Hurley MP, Mayor of Sefton Cllr Jen Corcoran, Tracey Robbins from Eden Project Communities, Imam Ibrahim from Southport Mosque, and Karen Egleton, Co-Op Member Activator. It meant so much to have you all with us, sharing in the day and celebrating what community truly looks like.
“To see so many people gathered together – different backgrounds, shared values, open hearts – was something really powerful, and having you there alongside us made it all the more meaningful.
“Thank you for standing with us and for supporting something that brings people together in such a simple, beautiful way
“We’re so grateful to EFT Group Ltd for stepping in to print our banners and posters, and for sponsoring the children’s seed planting station – such a simple, joyful activity that really captured the spirit of the day.
“Thank you to Fletchers Solicitors for donating £100 in garden centre vouchers for the raffle, helping people take a little piece of the day home with them.
“A big thank you to The Old Bakehouse Coffee Shop for the beautiful vegetarian sandwiches – delivered in an electric car powered by solar panels, which felt perfectly in keeping with everything the event is about. These were made possible through a microgrant from The Jo Cox Foundation, whose support we’re incredibly thankful for.
“To Kasturi Indian Restaurant, your donation of 150 samosas was just amazing – they brought so much warmth and were enjoyed by so many.
“Gang of Elk, thank you for giving your time and materials to create such a brilliant crafting space for children – it was full of creativity and joy from start to finish.
“We’re also so thankful to Southport Market for letting us use such a fantastic space, and to Tracy Holgate and Sarah Townley from Sefton Tourism for their support every step of the way.
“And finally, to all the volunteers – whether you were washing up, serving food, welcoming people in or simply stopping for a chat – you made the day feel what it was: open, warm and connected.”
For more information visit The Hearth Facebook page and The Hearth Southport on Instagram or email: [email protected].u k or [email protected]
Visit: CASA Business Network | The Hearth Network
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