Parties and events are planned and the bunting is up, as the City of Southend prepares to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Residents and visitors to Southend-on-Sea this special coronation bank holiday weekend, are advised to plan ahead and enjoy the celebrations safely.
A national three-day weekend of dedicated events is being held from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Consort. Visit the official website for information on the Coronation weekend, including the procession route, service and where to watch the historic event on Saturday 6 May.
Southend-on-Sea City Council has received over sixty applications for street party permits and road closures over the coronation weekend. A full list of road closures can be found on the council’s website. Residents and visitors who are planning to travel over that period are advised to plan their route ahead.
Residents who do not have a party planned but want to celebrate locally, can join a host of events being run across the City, including Music in the Park at Priory Park on Saturday 6 May, where people will hear Southend Community Chorus sing uplifting songs, supported by the fantastic Southend Band. There is no need to book, this is a free event, and everyone is welcome.
The Ironworks at 90 High Street, is holding a Coronation event on Sunday 7 May inside and outside their building. Running from 11am to 3pm, there will be music, games, artists, stalls food and drink.
A Coronation Cream Tea is being held on Sunday 7 May at Prittlewell Priory from 11am to 3pm.
To find out more about the local community events visit: Free Events - Visit Southend.
As part of the celebrations, the council has also commissioned five coronation plaques from The British Ironworks Centre, to mark this historic moment. The centre is donating all profits to charity, and these will be put up in the Civic Centre, Porters Civic House, The Forum, The Royal Pavilion on Southend Pier, and The Cliffs Pavilion.
There is also the national campaign, The Big Help, introduced to mark the King’s coronation and leave a lasting community legacy by working with national and local charities by volunteering. Whether it is a one-off or becomes a regular new habit, it is a wonderful way to bring the country together. You can find out more on The Big Help Out website.
Scott Dolling, director of culture and tourism, said: “It is wonderful that over the three-day bank holiday weekend, so many of our local communities will be gathering, alongside the rest of the nation, to celebrate this royal and historic event.
“Public events and street parties are a fantastic opportunity for people to come together on special occasions, and as our King officially ascends to the throne, I am pleased that the council is taking the initiative to make sure local people and our communities celebrate in the best and safest way possible.
“Residents who don’t have a street party planned are encouraged to join a host of local events being run across the City, including Music in the Park at Priory Park on Saturday 6 May, where people will hear Southend Community Chorus sing uplifting songs, supported by the fantastic Southend Band. Please bring a picnic and make the most of this free Royal celebration!”