DIANA Berriman was in fine company at Buckingham Palace as part of a special Big Jubilee Lunch to mark the beginning of party planning for HM the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Diana, from Llandrindod Wells, joined TV host Mel Giedroyc at the event in London as civic organisers the breadth of the country begin to look ahead to the nationwide celebrations on June 2-5.

In just two months’ time, neighbours around the UK will be coming together to mark The Queen’s 70-year reign with Big Lunch street parties and community celebrations.

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To kick off the festivities, broadcaster, actress and comedian, Mel Giedroyc was joined in the gardens of the iconic Royal Residence by Diana and nine other Big Lunch organisers from all four corners of the UK.

Discussing what people in every street can bring to the table, Diana shared her ideas with Mel and together they discussed how the annual event has helped make meaningful connections and bring communities together.

Speaking from Buckingham Palace, Mel Giedroyc said: "The Big Jubilee Lunch is something that everyone can be part of, it’s about having fun and making connections – and I think we are all ready for a good old knees up."

Diana added: “It is amazing to be in this incredible setting - having tea and cake in the garden of Buckingham Palace.

"Everyone I have met today is so interesting because they've all got different stories about their own communities. They are enthusiastic and motivated to be doing things in their communities and to share those experiences with each other.

"It is very inspiring. I have had a really amazing and inspiring day.”

Diana is part of Fuelled by Cake – a group of local friends who have been working together to build community spirit in Llandrindod Wells since 2015 with events including a photography competition and outdoor film screenings.

The Big Lunch has been a key part of Diana’s work in the community since she attended her first event in 2015. After helping out at several Big Lunches over the years, she organised her first Big Lunch in her small village in 2019.

This year, Diana is taking things to the next level as her group close their high street and invite 500 people to enjoy food, music and entertainment on 2 June.

Peter Stewart, Executive Director of the The Big Lunch initiative, said: “The Big Lunch has been bringing neighbours and communities together on the first weekend in June for over a decade and what an extra special year 2022 is going to be.

"We know that good things happen when people come together and so we want to invite everyone everywhere to take part – that’s what makes The Big Jubilee Lunch big.

"With only two months to go until a once in a lifetime event, now is the time to gather your neighbours, rally your road, and get ready to celebrate this historic moment together."