In 2010, People United organised the first Giant Picnic in Herne Bay and over 1,000 people came together to dance to live music, participate in creative activities run by arts, sports voluntary groups, and build a sense of community. The aims of the Picnic were:
- To bring people who wouldn't normally meet together (from different parts of the community)
- To encourage volunteering and engagement by promoting local arts, voluntary and community organisations
- To have fun!
As a way of breaking down barriers and building a positive sense of community the event was highly successful and has inspired other similar events.
Following on from a successful picnic in 2010 as part of People United's We All Do Good Things project, the 2011 event was organised by Herne Bay in Bloom, under the guidance of People United.
On the day over 1,000 people attended the Giant Picnic. Visitors had the opportunity to take part in 30 different free activities for all ages, including street theatre, dancing to a live band, and music workshops. The picnic brought together 27 different community groups and organisations working in the Canterbury district however most were from Herne Bay. 30+ volunteers supported the event.
Over 2 hours of music and memories were recorded by local DJ Zoe Baxter, 50 heart-shaped cushions were made for breast cancer patients, and dozens of biscuits were decorated! There was an increase in membership and interest for many of the groups and organisations including the Twinning Association and Herne Bay in Bloom.
Although led by Herne Bay in Bloom and People United, the picnic was a truly collaborative event with representatives from a number of community groups and organisations attending the monthly planning meetings. The groups were:
- Canterbury City Council
- Herne Bay Town Partners
- Community Youth Action Group
- Herne Bay Rotary Club
- Inner Wheel
- Animate Community Arts
Funding was secured through The Big Lottery but the event relied heavily on resources in kind, particularly from volunteers on the day who helped to set up, run activities and act as stewards.
Herne Bay in Bloom with the support of local community groups would like to make the picnic an annual event as part of the Herne Bay Festival. Their aim is to build this community-led event into an annual tradition - a DIY festival that showcases the good things that people do and encourages active citizenship. Their plans are to make it even bigger and better next year but of course they will need financial support and more volunteers to make it happen. If you are interested in getting involved contact Herne Bay in Bloom: herne_bayinbloom@live.co.uk
Some feedback from visitors who attended the Giant Picnic:
"Went to the picnic in the park with my children and eight grandchildren. All had a wonderful time. There was something for everybody and hope that this goes on for many years in the future."
- Jan
Herne Bay is such a lively place.
It's great for my newborn, to see her face,
Music and fun in the summer
And loads to see - stops her murmur.
Brings all sorts together in the park.
The organisers set forth such a lark.
It's easy to forget financial gloom with fun at the weekends doom has no room.
To see all Herne Bay mix and mingle makes my family joy with tingle.
- Mark
