Reception to Launch the 2024 Big Curry Lunch

29th November 2023

The City of London Club, 19 Broad Street, EC2N 1DS

The Big Curry Lunch is an important date in the Livery Diary. The purpose as eloquently stated on its website is:
The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch (LMBCL) first took place in April 2008, hosted by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress at Guildhall, the centre of the City of London’s governance, ceremonial and philanthropy.
It would be a Civic and Guildhall event but with a difference; a fixed price allowing guests unlimited curries and accompanying drinks, no seating plan, and everyone would serve themselves – and go back for seconds as often as they wished – and everyone would sit on benches.
The Lunch has had the unstinting support of each Lord Mayor since 2008.
From the outset, the Lunch had a number of purposes.
*To raise funds to support veterans of all the services, both Regulars and Reservists, and their families.
*To raise awareness in the City community of the role of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Particularly among a younger generation of City folk.
*To build awareness of the three national service charities that work ceaselessly to support all members of His Majesty's Armed Forces
*To emphasise to City workers the breadth and depth of the City’s philanthropy in support of those in society who need help in a variety of ways.
The first Lunch in 2008 attracted 700 guests and raised £143,000. Following its success, the attendance grew year on year to the extent that we use all the principal rooms in Guildhall, generously provided by the Corporation of the City of London without any charge. As of September 2023, we have contributed a total of over £3.3 million to help support all members of the Armed Forces.
From 2019 onwards the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch has aligned with the employment and employability strand of the Civic and Mayoral strategy ‘A Better City For All’, by providing financial support for veterans to take part in two programmes to help veterans in to work.

This evening was an opportunity for the City businesses, churches and Livery Companies who sponsor The Big Curry Lunch to join in the official kick off. Collectively we will raise money and awareness about this important event. Each year a member of the Royal family attends the lunch, greeting sponsors and Livery Companies before joining military service representatives for meaningful discussions.

Jon Fell, Chairman of the Benevolent Fund Committee, and I were privileged to attend the kick off event and the enthusiasm and support was evident! The Big Curry Lunch gives each of us an opportunity to remember and thank those men and women who have done so much for so many!