Celebrating Friendship, Community & Human Connection Since 2002
Sunday, 9 August 2026 | 1.00pm–8.00pm | Regent’s Park, London
Everyone is welcome. There are no tickets—just come along.
Join the Facebook event | Get the exact picnic location
One Invitation Can Change a Life
In 2013, two people met at this picnic in Regent’s Park.
They began dating soon afterwards.
Today, they have four daughters.
Their story began because two people said yes to an invitation and happened to meet one summer afternoon in the park.
That is the magic of this picnic. You never quite know who you will meet, what conversations you will have or where one new connection might lead.
A Simple Idea That Kept Growing
Back in the summer of 2002, I had a simple idea.
What if I invited all my friends to a picnic—and asked them to invite their friends too?
I had no idea what would happen.
What began as a handful of friends sharing food in Regent’s Park has grown into one of London’s longest-running community picnics, bringing together thousands of people over the past 24 years.
Lifelong friendships have begun here. People have found jobs through someone they met at the picnic. Business partnerships and unexpected opportunities have emerged, while children run around making new friends of their own.
And yes, several love stories have begun here too!
Among the remarkable people who joined us over the years was the late Eva Schloss—Auschwitz survivor, peace educator and stepsister of Anne Frank. Eva came to the picnic for several years, and I feel deeply honoured that she became part of its story.
Why I Keep Organising This Picnic
We live in extraordinary times. We can communicate instantly with someone on the other side of the world, yet many people feel lonelier and more disconnected than ever.
We may have hundreds of online connections, but nothing replaces sitting together on the grass, sharing food, laughing, playing and having a real conversation.
That is why I have dedicated so much of my life to The Connection Revolution—a movement encouraging more meaningful human connection in our families, friendships, workplaces and communities.
This picnic is one of the purest expressions of that vision.
There are no tickets, no wristbands, no VIP area, no networking agenda and absolutely no pressure.
Just people from different backgrounds, cultures and generations enjoying a summer afternoon together and meeting someone they might never otherwise have met.
Because the best things in life still happen face to face.
As I often say:
You can’t outsource human connection.
What the Afternoon Feels Like
At some point, someone usually starts playing an African drum. A football appears. Children discover the giant hula hoops, while adults who intended merely to sit and chat suddenly find themselves playing badminton or throwing a frisbee.
Food is shared, introductions are made and conversations wander in unexpected directions.
Every year, I bring my African drums and other musical instruments, giant hula hoops, badminton rackets, footballs, frisbees and an assortment of other games. You are very welcome to bring your own games and musical instruments too.
And the games are definitely not just for children!
A Special Laughter Yoga Session at 5.00pm
At 5.00pm, my friend Kalpana Doshi—a certified Laughter Yoga leader with over twelve years’ experience in the UK and internationally—will lead us in a joyful Laughter Yoga session.
Everyone is welcome to join in. Simply bring your willingness to laugh, breathe deeply and perhaps feel a little lighter by the end!
Everyone Is Welcome – Really
Whether we have known each other for twenty years, met last week or you have simply stumbled across this page, I would love you to join us.
Come on your own. Bring your partner, children, parents, neighbours or work colleagues. Bring your friends—and encourage them to bring theirs.
Please do not worry if you will not know many people. That is precisely the spirit of the picnic. Come and say hello, and allow the afternoon to unfold.
The more diverse the gathering, the more magical the day becomes.
One invitation. One conversation. One connection at a time.
What to Bring
- 🥗 Your own food and drinks
- 🍓 Something extra to share, if you would like
- 🧺 A picnic blanket or chair
- ⚽ A football, Ffrisbee, cricket bat, rounders set, hula hoops or any outdoor games
- 🎵 Musical instruments are always welcome
- 😊 Most importantly, bring yourself exactly as you are
Bring a feast or bring a sandwich. Come for an hour or stay for the whole afternoon. There is no right way to picnic with us.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
Time: 1.00pm until around 8.00pm
Location: Regent’s Park, close to London Central Mosque
5.00pm: Laughter Yoga with Kalpana Doshi
Come whenever you like and stay for as long as you like.
How to Find Us
We meet in the same beautiful spot every year, close to Hanover Gate and the children’s playground.
Enter Regent’s Park through Hanover Gate, turn left and you will soon see the playground. We will be on the large semicircular area of grass nearby. There is plenty of room, so look out for the picnic blankets, games and African drums!
Exact location
Use either of these links to take you directly to the picnic spot:
- Open the exact What3Words location — energetic.hails.expert
- Open the exact picnic location on Google Maps
Nearest Underground stations
- Baker Street
- St John’s Wood
Regent’s Park is huge, so please save the exact-location link before setting off.
If you are lost on the day, call me on 07803 950 250. Please save the number in your phone before you arrive.
Parking
Parking within Regent’s Park is chargeable from 9.00am until 6.30pm every day, including Sundays. Some nearby street parking may be available, but always check the signs and restrictions carefully before leaving your car.
Public transport is strongly recommended where possible.
A Few Memories from Previous Picnics
Come and Be Part of the Story
Every year, someone tells me afterwards:
“I nearly didn’t come—and I’m so glad I did.”
Perhaps this will be your year.
Come for the food, the games and the sunshine. Stay for the conversations, the laughter and the unexpected connections.
You might leave with a new friend, a new opportunity, a wonderful memory—or simply the feeling that you spent an afternoon surrounded by good people.
Sometimes that is more than enough.
I would love to welcome you.
See you in the park!
Arvind Devalia
Join the Facebook Event
Invite your friends and ask them to invite theirs.
Let’s create another unforgettable celebration of friendship, community and human connection.
