FAMILIES across Oxfordshire can look forward to a bumper feast of events as this year’s Big Lunch gets under way.

The annual event, taking place tomorrow, sees people throughout the country set up bring-and-share lunches and forge stronger bonds with their friends and neighbours.

Alongside well-established Oxfordshire events in Bicester, Witney and Banbury, a new Big Lunch will be taking place in Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

Running from noon to 5pm next to the playground in Blackbird Leys Park, the event has been organised by Oxford City Council and residents.

Milly Macpherson, from the council’s community and neighbourhoods team, said: “The idea came from a discussion with a resident about what we could do in the Leys to get the community together. We did a bit of research and came across the Big Lunch .”

It is hoped that about 100 people will attend and visitors are asked to bring along some food to share.

Those who bring food will also be entered into a raffle.

The Bicester Big Lunch could see up to 5,000 people arrive from 1pm to share food at tables in Sheep Street and Pioneer Square.

This year will also see the launch of the Bicester Food Festival, with 15 stalls selling local produce.

Crowds are also expected to join the feast in Queen’s Road, Banbury, where there will be a 1960s and 1970s-themed street party and a Big Lunch from noon to 5pm.

At Cogges in Witney, an event will be held the following Sunday, from noon to 3pm at The Blake CofE Primary School.