People across the country, and beyond, are getting ready to celebrate the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla as king and queen of the UK and the other Commonwealth realms. While the coronation itself is taking place on Saturday, May 6, a number of ceremonial, celebratory and community events are taking place throughout the long weekend.
The Coronation Service is taking place on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey and is being conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is being broadcast live on the BBC.
There’s a special Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, which is also being broadcast live by the BBC, on Sunday, May 7. This is the same day as The Coronation Big Lunch, when neighbours are invited to share food and fun together and many are holding street parties.
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Monday, May 8, is an extra bank holiday to mark the coronation. It's also The Big Help Out, which encourages people to try volunteering and join work being undertaken to support their local areas.
Road closures are expected throughout the weekend, in preparation for crowds and street parties. There are 11 street parties planned in Torbay, and streets will be closed to traffic so celebrations can be held.
Pubs, clubs and bars will stay open for an extra two hours on Friday and Saturday. You can search for coronation events in your area and find out more details about the ones listed below here .
Barnstaple
Sunday, May 7, 11am to 4pm: Bring a picnic to Rock Park and celebrate the coronation. There will be lots to do for all ages including children’s rides, craft stalls, traction engine rides, and the chance to sample food from around the world and from local street vendors. There will be live entertainment. A great day out for all the family.
Brixham
Saturday, May 6: Coronation Breakfast in the Vigilance, Theatre live coverage of the Coronation Ceremony, Devon Drums in the Old Fish Market, Musical Concert in the Baptist Centre.
Sunday, May 7: 1960s scooters and cars, Devon Drums in Prince William’s Square, Thanksgiving Service at All Saints Church, Firework display from Brixham Harbour.
Monday, May 8: Coronation Parade and Service, Community sing-a-long, Cutting of the Cake, Coronation Fashion Parade.
Dawlish
Saturday, May 6: There will be a live screening of the coronation followed by a family film at 6pm, on the Lawn.
Sunday, May 7: Live entertainment, come to the Lawn with a picnic and join in the activities. There’s a quiz by the Friends of Dawlish Library in the marquee from 7pm.
Monday, May 8: There is a street market and refreshers fair which encourages people to find out about local volunteering opportunities. The celebrations conclude with a singalong in the evening in the marquee.
Exeter
Sunday, May 7: Coronation picnics are being held at Princesshay, St Thomas Parish Church and at Exeter Miniature Railway, St Katherine's Priory. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum has a special display of objects relating to former kings and queens. Exeter Cathedral has a special exhibition and is hosting a Coronation Service of Celebration.
Kingskerswell
Sunday, May 7, 11am to 3pm: Coronation Big Lunch hosted by Kingkerswell Parish Council – bring your own or buy food there. Stalls, Bouncy Castle, Morris Dancers, Maypole, Theatre Group activities, Fun and Games, Fancy Dress. Limited parking for disabled and stall holders. Dogs welcome but must be kept under control.
Kingsteignton
Saturday, May 6, 10.30am to 6pm: Kingsteignton Town Council is running a free event. It is screening the proceedings in the big hall and also providing entertainment: Back Beach Boyz (local sea shanty songs), Liberty Sisters (jazz/swing), Steve Parr (Pure Diamond Neil Diamond tribute act and compere for the day). Entertainment for children: pirate assault course and large bouncy castle, Jungle Safari Play Park, Giant Jenga and Giant Connect 4 Splat the Rat, Hook the Duck and other party lawn games. Wizzbang children's entertainments: balloons, puppets, magic show and games. Faces Glitz and Glam face painting. Refreshments available. There will be free Kings Coronation giveaways – the Police cadets will be giving away free stickers and fingerprinting sets. Kingsteignton Community Baptist Church will be providing further free entertainment with arts and crafts for the children. There will be a raffle and auction with amazing prizes including football memorabilia.
Newton Abbot
Saturday, May 6, 9am to 3pm: This is a free event for all the family held in Courtenay Street. The day will include live music in the morning from Hot House Combo and music in the afternoon by Cahoots. There will be walkabout characters and balloon modelling. A special Coronation Corner will be set up in the historic town centre Clock Tower, there will be a throne, robe, crown, orb and sceptre for the opportunity for selfies, this will be open 11am to 1pm from Tuesday, May 2 to Saturday, May 6. A book of congratulations will be in the Tower for people to sign.
Sunday, May 7, noon to 4pm: Newton Abbot Town Council is holding a free Party in the Park event in Courtenay Park. The day will include live music in the bandstand from SW Comms, magical bubbles, free face painting and balloons. There will be craft stalls from Creative Newton Abbot, a coronation selfie frame, cocktail bar and ice creams as well as giveaways throughout the afternoon. People are encouraged to bring their own picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park.
Paignton:
Anderton and Rowland Funfair will be on Paignton Green from Friday, April 28, to Monday, May 8.
Saturday, May 6, 9.30pm: Firework display on Paignton seafront courtesy of Anderton and Rowland Funfair from the award-winning Blitz Fireworks.
Sunday, May 7: Events being organised by Community Partnerships across Paignton.
Torquay
Saturday, May 6, 10am to 6pm: There will be a big screen on Torre Abbey Meadows so everyone can come together to watch the official Coronation Ceremony. Bays Brewery and local caterers will be on site.
Sunday, May 7, 11am till late: An afternoon of entertainment from the team behind Children’s Week, live musical performances from local acts including Rock Choir, The Humanitarians and Sound Communities. Headline act Joey The Lips plus family activities, games and walkabout acts. Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT) will be running a volunteer hub to let you know about Torbay-wide volunteering opportunities, ahead of The Big Help Out national event on Monday, May 8. Live broadcast on a big screen of the Royal Coronation Concert. Local food and drink caterers.
Willand
Saturday, May 6: The community is encouraged to come together at the village hall to watch the events unfold in a live broadcast of the King’s coronation. There will also be a History Exhibition and you will be invited to share your memories of the Queen's Coronation/Jubilee events. There will be refreshments available and a Name the King and Queen of Willand (handmade dolls) Competition.
Sunday, May 7: There will be a fun day, with hopefully a choir and/or Singalong, Community Picnic (bring your own), Uniform Parade, Church Service, children's entertainment with Mr Phil, crafts. Competition for best dressed house.
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