Photo by Ray Burmiston/ Coronation Big Lunch

Top TV chef, Ainsley Harriott, has been helping get the Coronation street party started as he encouraged communities to come together to mark the historic moment King Charles III is crowned.

As Coronation Big Lunches take shape around the UK, the star helped deliver invitations to a community celebration in London.

With just over three weeks until the big day, Ainsley Harriott MBE knocked on doors to hand over invites to the street party in East Sheen.

He stopped for a chat with dozens of people to hear about their plans to mark the Coronation.

The celebration in East Sheen is one of thousands planned across the UK as King Charles and Queen Camilla are crowned on May 6. The day after the Coronation, Sunday May 7, has been designated as the official ”Coronation Big Lunch” but parties are taking place across the long Bank Holiday weekend.

As he handed out invitations, Ainsley Harriott said ”Everyone UK-wide is invited to join in, whether that’s with a garden picnic, having a cuppa on your doorstep, or a party in your street. The Big Lunch is the perfect opportunity to get to know people where you live a bit better.”

The Coronation celebrations are part of this year’s ”Big Lunch”, an annual event which encourages communities to come together to share food, conversation and fun. The Big Lunch is run by the Eden Project which has put together a free organisers’ pack which can be downloaded from its website.

Ainsley Harriott, who is an ambassador for the Big Lunch, said ‘‘Celebrations are just weeks away, so now is the time to get the ball rolling!”

Even those who were out when he called found an invite waiting, as he popped cards through letter boxes and put up posters.

The TV star continued ”You might feel nervous about knocking on someone’s door to invite them to a Coronation Big Lunch, but take the plunge and we’re sure you’ll be met by welcoming faces.”

Sarah Mountcastle who is organising the Big Lunch in East Sheen said ”We love our Big Lunch street parties, and we never want anyone to miss out. Inviting everyone is the most important bit. It’s all about sharing and working together, using what you have. That’s all part of the fun and how you get to know people better!”

The Big Lunch has been running since 2009 and has been part of royal celebrations before. Just last year, thousands held Jubilee Big Lunches to mark the 70th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Camilla has been patron of the Big Lunch since 2013.

The Big Lunch website has lots of tips for a right royal party as well as the free downloadable organisers’ pack.