Summertime Simple Pleasures…You’re Invited to International Picnic Day
Did you know there's a day dedicated to one of life's simplest pleasures? International Picnic Day, celebrated each year on 18th June, is an invitation to slow down, spend time outdoors, share good company and enjoy a meal in the fresh air. When I discovered there was an International Picnic Day, I couldn't resist. It seemed like the perfect excuse to gather people together outdoors and celebrate something wonderfully ordinary.
In a world that often encourages us to be busy, productive and constantly moving on to the next thing, there is something quietly radical about spreading out a blanket, sharing food and conversation and simply being present with one another. No special occasion and no agenda. Just a summer evening, a patch of grass and the opportunity to connect.
If you’ve been following This Mortal Life for any amount of time you’ll know I'm interested in creating opportunities for people to gather, build community and make meaningful memories together. While much of my work invites conversations about mortality, legacy and remembrance, it also celebrates the simple joys of being alive. Sharing food, meeting new people, sitting beneath a tree on a warm June evening…these small moments are part of what make a life.
My original idea, very much in keeping with the spirit of This Mortal Life, was to hold a picnic in a cemetery. It might sound unusual today, but our Victorian ancestors were known to picnic in cemeteries regularly, which were often designed as beautiful public spaces for recreation, reflection and community gathering. In many ways, they understood something we've largely forgotten: that places of remembrance can also be places for the living.
Sadly, I wasn't able to secure the necessary permissions on this occasion, but I haven't given up on the idea. With a bit of luck, perhaps next year's International Picnic Day will find us gathering amongst the gravestones. For now, you're invited to join us at Ellenborough Park on Thursday, 18th June from 6pm for a relaxed community picnic.
Whether you come alone or bring a friend, it's a chance to meet new people, enjoy conversation and make the most of the long summer evening. Bring your own food, something to sit on, and whatever makes a picnic feel comfortable for you. We'll meet by the old, majestic tree in the middle of the park; you'll know it when you see it. It has a wonderfully mystical feel and makes the perfect gathering spot. All are welcome.
June evenings don't last forever. Before we know it, the nights will begin drawing in again. International Picnic Day feels like the perfect excuse to pause, enjoy the warmth and savour a little of what this season has to offer. Community doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with simply sharing a patch of grass and a conversation. I’d love to see you there.
