On the morning of Saturday, May 6th, Westminster Abbey will be the site of King Charles’ coronation. As the long-awaited coronation of King Charles approaches, excitement and anticipation are building across the United Kingdom.
With a long bank holiday weekend in honour of the coronation, people are looking forward to a much-needed break and a chance to join in the celebrations. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this historic occasion, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will share five exciting things you can do during the King Charles coronation bank holiday, from attending street parties to exploring London’s iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these activities are sure to make your coronation day unforgettable. So, let’s get started!
Attend Street Parties
Street parties are a quintessential British tradition, and there’s no better time to partake than during a royal celebration. Many neighborhoods across the country will be hosting street parties to mark the coronation, complete with food, music, and decorations. Check out your local community pages for information on where to join in the festivities.
Celebrate the Coronation in style at Mayfair’s Garden Party, where you’ll be transported to the lush gardens of Highgrove estate. The party will take place in and around the picturesque Grosvenor Square, with a range of events and installations scattered throughout the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants, such as The Connaught Patisserie, The Barley Mow, and Apricity.
Indulge in a mouth-watering selection of food from various food stalls and wash it down with a refreshing beverage from the Mr Foggs tequila truck or the sparkling wine bar. Luxe picnic benches, beautifully styled by Lay London, will provide the perfect spot to enjoy your feast.
As you enjoy the festivities, you can also catch the Coronation ceremony on the big screens and groove to the beat of the live brass band, setting the perfect mood for this special occasion. Don’t miss out on this delightful and memorable experience in the heart of Mayfair.
Read how you can host your own street party.
Visit Buckingham Palace
At 11 am sharp, the Coronation service will commence at the majestic Westminster Abbey. Once the ceremony concludes, Their Majesties will embark on the grand ‘Coronation Procession’, a larger ceremonial procession that will lead them back to Buckingham Palace. The iconic Gold State Coach, drawn by 8 magnificent Windsor Grey horses, will be carrying the newly crowned monarchs as they make their way through the streets of London.
There’s also going to be a big event at Windsor Castle. To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, a concert will take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Sunday 7th May. The event promises to be a spectacular affair, with music, dance, and spoken word performances showcasing a range of talents from musical legends to contemporary stars of stage and screen.
The concert will be open to the public, including volunteers from charities supported by Their Majesties, and will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds. It will also be shown on large screens at screening sites in London and events around the country, allowing people from all over to join in the festivities.
With its diverse lineup of performers and wide-reaching media coverage, the concert promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the new monarchs.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Watch the Coronation on TV
While attending the Coronation in person may not be possible for most people, watching it on TV is the next best thing. The coronation ceremony will be broadcast live across the country, offering an opportunity to witness history as it unfolds. Gather your friends and family, and host a coronation viewing party at home.
If you don’t want to stay home on the Coronation day, don’t worry – you can still witness the historic event. The ceremony will be broadcast live on screens at Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park, allowing you to experience the momentous occasion with fellow citizens.
As you wait for the ceremony to begin, you may find yourself wondering about the landmarks surrounding you, such as the famous Elizabeth Tower housing Big Ben. In case you were curious, the tower stands at an impressive height of 96 meters!
For those watching in Hyde Park, there will be four screens available at various locations, including two near the Old Football Pitches, one near The Cockpit, and one near The Boathouse Lawn. So, grab a picnic blanket and some snacks, and settle in for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Explore London’s Landmarks
London is steeped in history, and there’s no better time to explore its landmarks than during a royal celebration. From the iconic Big Ben and Tower Bridge to the historic Westminster Abbey, London has something for everyone. Take a stroll along the River Thames, visit the British Museum or enjoy a traditional English tea at a local cafe.
If you’re looking for a quieter way to celebrate the coronation bank holiday, consider visiting a local museum or art gallery. Many cultural institutions across the country will be hosting exhibitions and events to mark the occasion.
Join the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House for a royally fun weekend of events and activities for the whole family. Enjoy a picnic on the museum’s grounds, participate in kids’ workshops, and take free tours and walks around the museum.
On Monday, May 8, the Sea Cadets in Greenwich will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Boatswain’s Call Lesson. Head to the lawns outside the Queen’s House at 4pm to find out more and be a part of this exciting attempt.
King Charles’s Coronation Yacht Race on the Thames
Celebrate King Charles’s Coronation with a yacht race on the Thames at Greenwich Yacht Club, a private members club located in North Greenwich, London. Join the event on May 7, 2023, at 1 Peartree Way, London, SE10 0BW, United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk.
In conclusion, the King Charles coronation bank holiday is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the rich history and tradition of the British monarchy. From attending street parties to exploring London’s landmarks, there are many ways to make the most of this historic occasion. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these five activities are sure to make your coronation day unforgettable.