King Charles' Coronation will take place on Saturday May 6th, and there are a whole host of events taking place to commemorate this seismic day. Many of these events have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, whose contributions are highlighted below.
Here is a list of what's going on over the Coronation weekend:
The Big Lunch at Auckland Castle
What's happening:
"Celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in style, with a picnic in the grounds of Auckland Castle. We will be throwing open the gates to our Gardens for the day and everyone is welcome. Please bring your own picnic."
Location:
The Auckland Project, North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7PG
Date:
Sunday 7 May 2023, 12:00 - 16:00
Find out more:
https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/coronation-celebrations-the-big-lunch/
The Coronation of King Charles III Live Screening, Mickleton Village Hall
What's happening:
"Live streaming of the coronation on the big screen. Tea, Coffee and light refreshments available. Coronation lunch at 1pm. Open Invitation to join Mickleton MiCE in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III."
Location:
Mickleton Village Hall, Mickleton, Barnard Castle, County Hall, DL12 0JR
Date:
Saturday 6 May 2023, 10:00 - 17:00
Find out more:
https://aucklandproject.org/whats-on/coronation-celebrations-the-big-lunch/
Spennymoor Town Council King Charles III Coronation Big Picnic
What's happening:
"Spennymoor Town Council is excited to announce that the above event and encourage people to bring picnics (there will be a catering offer and ice cream van on site), blankets, chairs, cushions …but no gazebos please.
The Council will provide free rides, face painting and entertainment and there will be a competition to nominate a King and Queen for the day for parish primary school age children. So, get your royal robes ready and crowns dusted down as your thrones await on this special date.
Hobby groups, Scouts and Guides, Dance and Theatre groups are encouraged to volunteer to host a stall – provided by the Council free of charge – to give demonstrations of what you do…a great opportunity to get the neighbourhood knitting, dads dancing and kids crafting."
Location:
Victoria Jubilee Park, Spennymoor, Co. Durham, DL16 6JJ, United Kingdom
Date:
Sunday 7 May 2023
Find out more:
https://spennymoor-tc.gov.uk/index.php/king-charles-iii-coronation-big-picnic-lunch/
Butterknowle Village Hall: The Coronation of King Charles III
What's happening:
“Refreshments and homemade cakes available. Live musical entertainment throughout the day. Local history display plus stalls, raffle and children's craft table. A day for everyone! We hope to see you there.”
Location:
Butterknowle Village Hall, Butterknowle, Bishop Auckland DL13 5PJ
Date:
11am-4pm Monday 8th May
Find out more:
https://www.facebook.com/butterknowlevillagehall
Great Coronation Bake Off, Stanhope Station
What's happening:
“We are inviting local schools, businesses, clubs and individuals in the community to design a cake or biscuit to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
Design- a royal or railway theme or combination. Sign up for the Bake Off challenge by the end of April. Deliver your entry to Stanhope Station from 9am on 7th May. Entries displayed at Stanhope Station from 11am. Final judging will take place at 2pm. Prize for every entry. Winning entry will win a family ticket for a day on the railway including a ride with the train driver.
If you would like to take part please complete a booking slip. If you need any additional information please do not hesitate to call on 07810305705 or email at claire.gibbons@aucklandproject.org.
We look forward to receiving your entry!”
Location:
Station Street, Tow Law, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland DL13 2YS
Date:
Sunday 7th May (SIGN UP BY END OF APRIL)
Find out more:
claire.gibbons@aucklandproject.org
Let’s Go Coronation Crazy! Bishop Middleham
What's happening:
"We are a small village in County Durham with a big community. The Parish Council, the Village Hall, the Church, the School and a wonderful community are coming together to celebrate the Coronation with a Big Lunch event on Sunday 7th May in the Park, with royal crafts, rides and activities for the children. On Monday 8th May 2023, everyone is working together at The Village Hall to promote the service and activities on offer there, introduce Community Makers, a village volunteering programme, find out what villagers would like to see in their community as well as refreshments and activities for the children."
Location:
The Park, Bishop Middleham, COUNTY DURHAM, DL17 9AH, United Kingdom
Date:
Sunday 7 May- Monday 8 May 2023
Find out more:
parishclerk@bishopmiddleham-pc.gov.uk
Coronation Indoor Street Party, Spennymoor
What's happening:
"Coronation Day Indoor Street Party: Live Watchalong. Doors open 10am. Come watch and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Light refreshments will be served from 12 noon. Get your tickets at the centre office or call us on 01388 813404. Tickets £7- all money raised to help with our extension fund."
Location:
St Paul's Centre, St Paul's Gardens, Spennymoor DL16 7LS
Date:
Saturday 6 May 2023
Find out more:
01388 81340
Coronation Picnic in the Park/Big Band Event, Toft Hill
What's happening:
"Etherley Parish Council has organised the event for the Parish and wider community.
We have organised a Picnic in the Park / Big Band event to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
There will be live music throughout the event from Hartlepool Ukulele Band, Middleton and Teesdale Silver Bank and the Steelworks Steel Band.
Face painting and ice cream free for all children. Refreshments available."
Location:
Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 0JA, United Kingdom
Date:
Saturday 20 May 2023
Find out more:
King Charles III projection, Bishop Auckland
What's happening:
"HM King Charles III will be projected onto the front of Bishop Auckland Town Hall, The Market Place, Bishop Auckland, 5-9 May 2023."
Location:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, The Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP, United Kingdom
Date:
Thursday 5 May- Tuesday 9 May 2023
Find out more:
https://bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk/
Romaldkirk Reading and Recreation Room: The King's Coronation
!! £801 funding from the National Lottery Fund !!
What's happening:
"Timeline for the Weekend: Saturday 6th May: The Coronation! 13:00 - Live stream of the Coronation of King Charles III, 17:00 – Family Treasure Hunt, 17:00 - Drinks and nibbles in the hall. One glass of fizz per person, otherwise BYOB, 18:00 – children making games and decorations., Live music throughout. Sunday 7th May: The Big Lunch! 12:30 – arrive and bring a plate, 13:15 – The Big Lunch begins (meats, quiches, salads, potatoes and puddings, 15:00 – medal distribution, 16:00 – the Village Poem Reading, 17:00 – The village photograph, 18:00 – live music, 19:00 – live stream the concert from The Palace and games. Monday 8th May: TBC: Bulb planting and pot displays"
Location:
RSVP and use contact details via link below to confirm location.
Date:
Saturday May 6th- Monday May 8th.
Find out more:
Special Tour: Raby & The Royal Family, Raby Castle
What's happening:
"In celebration of the coronation of King Charles, join us for a special tour commemorating Raby Castle's historic links with the Royal Family.
Beginning with Raby's origins as a manor belonging to King Canute in the early 11th century, we will guide you through almost 1,000 years of Raby's history, revealing stories of Love, Friendships, Plots and Treason!
This tour includes parts of the castle not usually on the public route, as well as stories and special items which will shed light on Raby's royal relationships.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and refreshments will be provided before the tour. Adults £25, Concessions £20.
Also, in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, the Raby state coach, dating back to the early 19th century and used by the 9th Baron and Baroness Barnard to attend the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, will be undergoing conservation throughout the year and will take pride of place in the hall."
Location:
Raby Castle, Staindrop, County Durham, DL2 3AH
Date:
Monday May 8th, Saturday May 13th, Saturday June 3rd, Sunday June 4th. 10am.
Find out more:
https://www.raby.co.uk/events/special-tour-raby-and-the-royal-family/
Royal Afternoon Tea, Raby Castle
What's happening:
"Celebrate the first coronation in 70 years with a Royal Afternoon Tea at Raby Castle.
Upon arrival, our guides will proceed to lead a tour around the Castle specifying Raby's connections to the Royal Family.
Enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea served in Raby Castle's magnificent Entrance Hall.
A Royal Coronation is a rare occasion which many have not witnessed in their lifetime, make this a memory to remember with us here at Raby Castle."
Location:
Raby Castle, Staindrop, County Durham, DL2 3AH
Date:
Sunday 14th May, 2-4pm
Find out more:
https://www.raby.co.uk/events/royal-afternoon-tea/
Manor House Hotel: King Charles III Coronation Afternoon Tea
What's happening:
"Join us for Afternoon Tea at The Manor House to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. We at the Manor plan on celebrating this very special event throughout the month of May. Available from the 1st to 31st of May is our themed Afternoon Tea - £24.00 per person."
Location:
The Manor House Hotel, The Green, West Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9HW
Date:
Every day in May
Find out more:
https://www.strhotels.co.uk/manor-house-hotel/Events/King-Charles-III-Coronation/
Royal Train talks and activities at the Locomotion, Shildon
What's happening:
"Join in with themed talks and activities and explore an exhibition themed around our Royal Train."
Location:
Locomotion, Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 2RE
Date:
Saturday 6 May 2023 - Sunday 7 May 2023, 10:00 - 17:00
Find out more:
https://www.locomotion.org.uk/home
Barnard Castle School Choral Society Concert, Barnard Castle
What's happening:
"Choral Music for a Royal Coronation. A Barnard Castle School Choral Society Concert. Royal music by Handel, Parry, Mozart, Forbes l’Estrange, Vaughan Williams and Dawson."
Tickets available via the link below. £8 adults, £6 concessions
Location:
St Mary's Anglican Church, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NQ
Date:
Saturday 29th April, 7pm
Find out more:
Year of the King: King’s Coronation Parade and Gala, Crook
What's happening:
"Jack Drum Arts is a sustainable social enterprise based in Crook, County Durham, providing cultural opportunities for local communities and the wider region through a range of workshops, courses, theatre, music-making and outdoor events. Our Mission is to increase access to arts activities and cultural events for people of all ages, particularly those who face barriers to engagement, by delivering high quality, engaging, innovative and transformative arts opportunities that promote self-expression, wellbeing, learning and community cohesion.
Our Year of the King project is already underway. Throughout the Easter holidays local community groups worked with visual artists to create costumes, props and puppets. Local schools will get involved over the coming weeks creating more costumes and props, with all this new work being presented on Monday 8th May in our King’s Coronation Parade, starting at 12pm from the top of Hope Street, DL15 9HU, and ending at 1pm at Crook Cricket Club, Dawson Street, DL15 8NH. The parade will also feature live music from local bands and a range of street theatre acts.
Following the Parade, Jack Drum Arts will host a free King’s Coronation Gala, starting at 1pm at Crook Cricket Club, featuring live music from local bands and acts, a range of street theatre, storytelling, and team games including Tug of War and Sack Races. There will be food from local vendors and a licenced bar.
Following the Gala, a legacy group will be established, which will continue working with artists working across a wide range of mediums including fine art, textiles, music, dance, film and photography. The legacy group will meet regularly for 6 months, creating a body of work which will be premiered at an exhibition held in Crook, opening on King Charles’ birthday on 14th November.
This project is funded by Spirit of 2012 as part of its Moments to Connect fund."
Location:
Crook Cricket Club, Dawson Street, Crook, County Durham, DL15 8NH, United Kingdom
Date:
Monday 8 May 2023
Find out more:
https://www.jackdrum.co.uk/news/year-of-the-king-parade-and-event
Party in the Park, Ferryhill
What's happening:
"Ferryhill Town Council is inviting residents to join them in Celebrating the Coronation of HM King Charles III at a ‘Party in the Park’ event, which is to be held from 12.00 noon – 5.00pm on Sunday, 7th May 2023 at Dean Bank Park. The event which is being organised by Stanley Events will include live music performances, children’s entertainment, inflatables and a range of activities including a variety of stalls. Local performing arts group, Chance Drama will also be in attendance to put on a show.
The family orientated event will also comprise refreshments and street food vendors although residents are welcome to bring a picnic along. Entry to the event will be FREE. A limited number of tables and chairs will be provided at the venue for residents to use on a first come first served basis. Please note only sealed drinks will be permitted and residents will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol into the venue. A fully licensed bar will however be in attendance to cater for residents' liquid refreshments. Please look out for further details about the event in the Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter and on the Town Council’s Facebook page and website."
Location:
Dene Bank Park, Ferryhill, County Durham, DL17 8PX
Date:
Sunday 7 May 2023, 12:00 - 17:00
Find out more:
https://ferryhill.gov.uk/events/king-charles-iii-coronation-event/
The King’s Coronation Big Lunch, Great Aycliffe
What's happening:
"Great Aycliffe Town Council are holding a Big Lunch to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May 2023, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. A Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighbourhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better.
So come and join us in the Town Park on Sunday 7th May 2023, between 1pm – 4pm. The event will feature free live entertainment from Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band, Jenna Highfield, The Shine Choir, Scottish Piper and Stilt Walkers.
Other attractions include kiddies fairground rides, sparkle and glitter make-up and a mobile food van, a fee applies to all of these items.
So why not picnic in the park with us and celebrate this momentous occasion!"
Location:
20 Burn Lane, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4NW
Date:
Sunday 7 May 2023
Find out more:
https://www.jackdrum.co.uk/news/year-of-the-king-parade-and-event
Sources: coronation.gov.uk, thisisdurham.com/whats-on/the-kings-coronation-events
