With this year's COVID-19 disruptions, and only 10 weeks to Christmas, Barney Rumble, who, hosts the event each year with his team of volunteers, said he was keeping a close eye on developments and how they would impact the lunch.

Mr Rumble said he has already met with members of the Hope Church, which is where the lunch is held.

He said it is too early to say how the format of this year's lunch will take place.

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"I'm really playing it by ear and hoping things (restrictions) will ease up by Christmas," Mr Rumble said.

"But I've been in contact with the church and I'm going through a few options in my mind."

The lunch began as an idea over a few beers and over the years has grown into one of the city's proudest traditions; a Christmas lunch bringing together people who have no one else to celebrate with.

Through the annual Bathurst Community Christmas Lunch at the Hope Church on Gilmour Street, Mr Rumble ensures everyone has access to a meal on Christmas Day where they can also be surrounded by friendly faces.

He said the idea behind the lunch is to make sure no one spends Christmas Day alone.

Over the years the luncheon has gone ahead thanks to the band of volunteers and the generosity of people in the local community, who donate food for the event.