Recession? Let's fix it with a laugh!

Michael McIntyre tops the poll as the UK’s most popular lunch guest.

As news headlines continue to be dominated by doom and gloom recession related stories, it’s no surprise that the people of Britain are looking for some light entertainment. A recent survey undertaken by Kingsmill reveals that UK residents are itching to host a Big Lunch with top comedian Michael McIntyre providing the entertainment.

Over a third of UK Mums and Dads prove that comedy prevails as 35% would choose a comedian to sit at their lunch table. Funnyman Michael McIntyre (15%) topped the list as the most popular lunch guest as Stephen Fry’s (12%) quick wit and dry sense of humour saw him steal second place in the poll. Continuing the comedy theme, Mums prove that they would choose a great sense of humour over dashing good looks as comic duo Ant ‘n’ Dec (8%) featured higher on the list than reality TV personality, Mark Wright (6%) who came fourth.

It’s no surprise that comedy is king during one of the toughest economic downturns that Britain has ever seen. With the live comedy show circuit booming, isn’t everyone looking for some light relief?

Among the children surveyed, Wayne Rooney tops the poll as the footballer they’d most like to have lunch with – 12 places higher than David Beckham. Remarkably our football champions couldn’t compete with our kids’ cartoon favourites, Ben 10 and Peppa Pig, who leapfrog into first and second place.

National Top Five Fun Lunch Guests

Children
1. Ben 10
2. Peppa Pig
3. Wayne Rooney
4. Rastamouse
5. The Simpsons Parents

Parents
1. Michael McIntrye
2. Stephen Fry
3. Ant ‘n’ Dec
4. Mark Wright
5. Jamie Oliver

The survey of 2,000 UK parents and children under 16 years was carried out by Kingsmill to celebrate its sponsorship of the Big Lunch 2012 where it hopes to bring friends and families together to enjoy lunch and organise street parties over the Jubilee weekend.

Despite the influx of street celebrations for the Royal Wedding last year, 56% of children and 43% of adults nationwide have yet to experience a street party. Happily, more than half of British children (53%) are keen to get together with their friends and neighbours and the survey results prove that certain celebrity guests wouldn’t go amiss for a happy lunch celebration.

For Brits planning their own street party this summer, Kingsmill is on hand to help. As official sponsors of The Big Lunch 2012, it has created a dedicated area on its website. As well as delicious, healthy recipe ideas, visitors will also find fun inspiration for games and ways to entertain guests, and a competition area, but unfortunately no advice on securing a celebrity guest!