Largs Community Christmas 2027

The Largs Community Council Access to Food Group is applying for £1,000 to support two community Christmas events in Largs during December 2027.

Both events will be open and welcoming to the wider community, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, support people facing financial pressures and bring people together to enjoy friendship, food and celebration at Christmas.

The events will be delivered by the Access to Food Group with support from Largs Nazarene Church, local volunteers and community partners.

Christmas Day Community Dinner

On 25 December 2027, we will hold a free three-course Christmas Day dinner in the Dunn Memorial Hall, with food prepared by Largs Nazarene Church and support from local volunteers.

The event builds on a very successful previous Christmas Day meal which welcomed 94 people. We expect more than 100 people to attend in 2027.

The dinner will be open to people from across the community, including those who may otherwise spend Christmas Day alone, people experiencing financial hardship, older people and families.

Guests will enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner, drinks, refreshments and entertainment in a friendly and welcoming environment. We also intend to provide a Boxing Day takeaway meal, extending the benefit beyond Christmas Day.

This event is about much more than food. Christmas can be especially difficult for people who are isolated or struggling financially. Sharing a meal creates opportunities for friendship, conversation and stronger community connections.

Christmas Day event costs

• Food for more than 100 attendees – £450
• Drinks and refreshments – £50
• Dunn Memorial Hall hire – £50
• Posters and leaflets – £50

Total: £600

Community Christmas Lunch and Family Event

The second event will take place during December 2027 on a date to be confirmed and will particularly support users of Largs Food Bank while remaining open to families and the wider public.

It will include a free Christmas-style buffet lunch, refreshments, voluntary entertainment, a volunteer Santa and Christmas presents for children.

The aim is to provide an enjoyable and inclusive community occasion where families and individuals can come together without worrying about cost. Opening the event to the wider community will also help reduce stigma and bring people from different backgrounds and circumstances together.

Community Christmas event costs

• Artwork, posters and publicity – £70
• Food for Christmas-style buffet – £150
• Drinks – £50
• Christmas presents for children – £130

Total: £400

Total requested for both events: £1,000

Together, these events will provide meaningful support across Largs during the Christmas period. They will help reduce loneliness and isolation, provide free food and refreshments, support families facing financial pressure, create opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to meet, and strengthen community connections.

They will also support Largs Food Bank and the wider Access to Food initiative while encouraging volunteering and partnership working across the town.

Both events will be open to the wider community. We want people to feel that they are attending a community celebration, rather than accessing a service because they are struggling.

The success of the previous Christmas Day dinner demonstrates clear demand. With 94 people attending previously and more than 100 expected in 2027, a relatively small amount of funding can make a significant difference.

The project also represents excellent value for money, with much of the organisation, food preparation and entertainment provided through volunteer effort and support from local community organisations.

Ultimately, these events are about ensuring that people in Largs have somewhere to go, people to talk to and a community around them during Christmas.

Our ambition is simple: good food, good company and a warm welcome for everyone.