The Coronation

Events

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort on Saturday 6 May really is a historic event, the first crowning of our monarch in most of our lifetimes.

As you’d expect in a District of Flourishing Communities there are all manner of festivities going on, the length and breadth of the District’s 365 square miles to commemorate the occasion and draw communities together. These range from traditional fetes and street parties to community screenings of the ceremony, concerts, duck races and right royal cake bakes.

There is a comprehensive list of those we’ve been informed of at HeartofLincs.

This includes all of the NKDC visitor attractions, Sleaford Town Council’s extensive programme and participation across many parishes… and with activities extending through the Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May and the Big Help Out day of community volunteering on Monday 8 May, there’s lots going on to make it a really memorable long weekend.

If your local festivities aren’t listed and you’d like them to be, do drop us an email and we’ll do our best to include it.

And do please send us any photos you can at the time, on the day or when the dust has settled, or on Instagram @northkestevendc or tag us on the day. #NKking

Weekend programme

The Coronation itself

Taking place at Westminster Abbey on the morning of Saturday, 6 May, the Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry. The best seat is one in front of a TV at home or a public or community screening. There are known to be big screens at Boston Road Rec in Sleaford, Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle and likely in various pubs and village halls locally too.

For community screenings of the Coronation ceremony or concert, the BBC has confirmed a one-off TV licence dispensation so long as it is free to watch and attendees can bring their own food or drink. See TV Licensing

The Coronation Big Lunch

The Coronation Big Lunch, on Sunday 7 May, encourages communities to come together, celebrate their connections and get to know each other better. Whether a cup of tea with a neighbour, a street party or a bigger banquet, there are downloadable resources to assist the preparation.

There’s a chance for any streets, schools, groups and communities taking part to win a Community Garden specially designed and planted by Eden Project, as well as cash and hamper prizes.

The Coronation Concert

The BBC will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration at Windsor Castle on the night of Sunday, 7 May. The event’s centrepiece, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see iconic locations across the UK lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illumination. It can be screened for free at public events.

The Big Help Out

The Big Help Out, on Monday 8 May, is an opportunity to get involved in community improvement and showcase the impact of volunteering within communities.

In many communities some sort of local endeavour is being initiated. At both Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford and Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby drop by to talk about volunteering at venues in line with the spirit of the day.

The Big Help Out website describes it as ‘opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter what you are good at, there’ll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes, sizes and skills; from checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity. The more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be. It's all about joining in, lending a hand and making a change.

Bank Holiday bin collections

Please note that although Monday 8 May is a Bank Holiday to extend the Coronation Weekend, refuse and recycling collections will continue as normal in North Kesteven for Monday customers.

It is therefore important for street parties to be avoided on this day in those areas.

Wherever you are, if you are planning to decorate streets, hang bunting or undertake any other special arrangements, please consider the need for waste freighters to access your street over the broader period and the possibility that other large vehicles may need access too – ensuring you can both maximise enjoyment and inclusion for the entire neighbourhood, whilst not restricting those who need to get about to carry out their own public service. 

Chairman’s pleasure

If you would like to invite the Chairman of North Kesteven District Council, Cllr Lucille Hagues and her Consort to attend your event, you can do so through an online form on the Council’s website.
All enquiries will be considered in drawing up a schedule, dependent on her availability.

Street parties

While it is too late now to arrange with Lincolnshire County Council for the closure of roads to enable street parties to take place on the highway, there may still be localised opportunities to celebrate safely en masse and alfresco as a neighbourhood. You can find guidance on how to organise a street party can be found at gov.uk

So too, for ‘Street Meets’ which offer an even easier way to bring neighbours together

Whatever you do, OurWatch have a useful guide to going about it, stage by stage.

As a champion of sustainability and climate consideration, it would seem fitting and respectful to the King to ensure any parties have the least possible environmental impact. Maybe pool existing crockery, cutlery, glasses etc or pick it up from second hand shops, use sheets and fabric tablecloths instead of plastic coverings, minimise food waste and packaging and recycle or repurpose everything possible. 

Event licences

There is a possibility that events may need a licence. If your event involves the sale of alcohol, late night sale of food or drink after 11pm, or the or the provision of certain Regulated Entertainment (live or recorded music) it is advisable to check the licensing pages at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for further details as a certain licence may be required.

An automatic licence extension has been granted up to 1am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (6, 7 and 8 May) for premises that are already licensed up to 11pm for the sale of alcohol, for consumption on the premises and provision of regulated entertainment. This allows for up to two further hours on each of the three nights to come together and celebrate.

Crowning glories

Official photo