Cake, Community and Strawberry Shortcake: Why CAKE PICNIC Is London’s Sweetest Summer Event.
There are few things that bring people together quite like cake, and this summer one of the world’s most joyful baking events is returning to London.
On Sunday 5 July 2026, CAKE PICNIC will transform Greenwich Park into a colourful celebration of creativity, community and cake, welcoming hundreds of bakers and cake lovers for a truly unique experience. This year, the event is made even sweeter through a partnership with the beloved Strawberry Shortcake, the iconic character who has delighted generations with her berry-filled adventures.
Founded by Elisa Sunga, CAKE PICNIC has grown into a global movement, bringing together thousands of people through the simple act of baking and sharing. The concept is beautifully straightforward: every guest brings a whole cake, shares it with fellow attendees, and spends the day enjoying the company of like-minded cake enthusiasts.
Set within one of London’s most picturesque Royal Parks, this year’s event will feature both morning and afternoon sessions, each showcasing an incredible 250 cakes. Whether you’re an experienced baker known for elaborate creations or someone who prefers the simplicity of a favourite family recipe, everyone is welcome to take part.
For younger visitors, there is an extra treat in store. Hosted by renowned cake artist Ashley Holt, children can enjoy the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Beginners cake decorating class, learning simple piping techniques while creating their own berry-inspired masterpiece.
A Slice of Conversation with Elisa Sunga
Behind every successful event is someone with a wonderful story to tell, and Elisa Sunga’s passion for bringing people together through baking is every bit as inspiring as the cakes themselves. What began as a simple idea to share cake with friends has become an international celebration of creativity, generosity and community.
We caught up with Elisa ahead of the London event to find out how CAKE PICNIC became a worldwide phenomenon, why the partnership with Strawberry Shortcake feels so special, and why sharing a slice of cake might be exactly what we all need right now.
Q&A with Elisa Sunga
CAKE PICNIC has grown from a simple idea into a global phenomenon. What inspired you to create the very first CAKE PICNIC, and did you ever imagine it would become such a worldwide celebration of community and creativity?
“I started CAKE PICNIC two years ago because I wanted to eat a lot of cake with my friends, but I didn’t want to bake it all by myself! I thought, ‘What if I put together an event and made it a strict requirement that everyone coming also has to bring a whole cake?’
“I put out the invitation on Instagram and before I knew it the event had gone viral! I was hoping for at least five friends to show up, but we had 183 cakes at our very first CAKE PICNIC in San Francisco, and it has grown into so much more since then.
“I had no idea it would become such a global phenomenon. But when I think about it now, what’s not to love? It’s all about sugar, butter, flour and loved ones. Is there a more perfect recipe than that?”
This year’s London event is partnering with Strawberry Shortcake, a character many of us grew up with. What made this collaboration such a natural fit, and what can families expect from this berry special partnership?
“It feels like almost everyone who comes to CAKE PICNIC grew up with Strawberry Shortcake, so getting to celebrate with her at the park, surrounded by hundreds of cakes, feels really sweet.
“There’s something so nostalgic and joyful about bringing that childhood icon into a space centred around creativity, community and cake. Bakers have been messaging me with so much excitement and inspiration, from berry-filled cake layers to decorations inspired by Strawberry Shortcake herself.
“Through our partnership with Strawberry Shortcake and cake artist Ashley Holt, we’re also launching our very first Berry Beginners cake decorating workshop, a special hands-on experience designed for kids. This is CAKE PICNIC’s first children-focused event, and I’m so excited that we get to introduce young children to the joy of cake decorating at such an early age. I would have loved something like this growing up!
“There’s so much inspiration, imagination and childhood nostalgia woven into this event, and I know it’s going to be one of those sweet, magical days that stays with people for a very long time. Together, we’re all baking the world a better place!”
In a world that often feels increasingly digital, CAKE PICNIC brings people together face-to-face through something as simple as sharing cake. Why do you think events like this resonate so strongly with people today?
“CAKE PICNIC resonates so strongly because it is a moment in time where we collectively make magic in a world that needs it.
“We don’t need to be baking, creating or eating hundreds of cakes at one time, but why not? There’s something beautiful about choosing whimsy, joy and abundance simply because we can.
“At its core, CAKE PICNIC asks us to step away from the endless cycle of doomscrolling and spend a few hours making something with our hands. It invites us to slow down, create and reconnect with ourselves through baking. Then it brings us outside to touch grass, bask in the sun and share that creation with friends, family and new friends.
“In an age shaped more and more by AI, where it feels like it can do anything and everything, it can’t recreate the care, creativity and human connection that goes into baking a cake and sharing it with others.”
More Than Just Cake
What makes CAKE PICNIC so special is that it is about far more than baking. It celebrates connection, storytelling and the simple joy of bringing people together in an increasingly busy world. Every cake has a story behind it, whether it is a treasured family recipe, a first attempt at baking or an elaborate creation made with love and imagination.
London’s vibrant baking culture makes it the perfect host city. From traditional British bakes to contemporary cake artistry, the capital is home to a wonderfully diverse community of bakers who continue to inspire and innovate.
Combined with the nostalgic charm of Strawberry Shortcake and the beauty of a summer’s day in Greenwich Park, CAKE PICNIC promises to be one of the season’s most uplifting events.
Event Details
What: London CAKE PICNIC in partnership with Strawberry Shortcake
When: Sunday 5 July 2026
Where: Greenwich Park, London
Tickets: Advance booking required. All attendees must bring a whole cake to share.
Whether you’re a passionate baker, a cake enthusiast or simply looking for a joyful day out, CAKE PICNIC offers a delicious reminder that some of life’s sweetest moments really are best shared.
Poppy Watt