Celebrate the Coronation with our pick of the top events happening around London!
It feels a little like wherever we turn, the topic of The Coronation dominates, and for good reason! The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is a time for celebration across the nation and also in the Commonwealth.
Some key events of the special weekend:
Saturday 6 May the Coronation Ceremony takes place at Westminster Abbey, London.
6-8 May will see Coronation Big Lunches up and down the country and across the Commonwealth.
Sunday May 7 a spectacular Coronation Concert will be performed at Windsor Castle with iconic locations across the UK lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.
While we’d love to share tips on how to attend the actual Coronation Ceremony, we’ll have to settle for sharing our favourite events happening in London:
Big Screens in and around London
Find a big screen near you to watch the Coronation on 6 May:
Green Park and St James Park Screens in St James’s Park will also show the coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May
The Coronation: Outdoor screening at Paddington Recreational Grounds - this community screening will also include children's activities and live music from Ebony Steel band.
Battersea Power Station - There will also be many other Coronation themed fun festivities at Battersea Power Station
2. Explore the Royal Mews
See some of the beautiful carriages used in the coronation procession, including the amazing Gold State Coach! Then head to the Livery Room to enjoy sparkling arts and crafts inspired by the coronation, suitable for families of all ages.
When: 7-8 May 23
Where: Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QH
3. Mayfair's Coronation Garden Party
A transformation of the square into a right royal garden wonderland, with floral displays and deckchairs to relax on as you watch either the ceremony or the Windsor coronation concert on cinema-sized screens. There'll be food with a coronation twist (including Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cakes), and royal themed games and experiences, including an interactive throne!
When: 6-7 May 23
Where: Grosvenor Square
4. A Coronation Celebration, The Queen's Gallery
Head to The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace this May and join in with an amazing storyteller to discover all about coronations past and present. The storytelling sessions run at 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 and last for half an hour.
When: 8 May, 1 Jun, 2 Jun
Where: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
5. Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace
Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea sitting in The Rubens at The Palace's lounge, overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. This Royal Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from the Royal family and the Commonwealth, and incorporates seasonal ingredients such as pears and peaches, inspired by the Royal Orchard. The Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea features peanut butter and jam sandwiches as well as plain scones and a hazelnut crunch doughnut, washed down with hot chocolate, or a milkshake. Yum.
When: Throughout May
Where: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS
6. Hear the unique coronation prom at the Royal Albert Hall
The All Souls Orchestra brings a coronation prom to the Royal Albert Hall in May. It'll be a once-in-a-lifetime national celebration with joyful music and worship. Following on from the coronation service earlier in the day, this majestic prom is the perfect way to round off a day to remember in central London.
When: 6 May 23
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore
London, SW7 2AP
7. Syon House and Gardens
To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, Syon House and Gardens are throwing open their gates so you can visit the beautiful gardens and the Great Conservatory for free on Monday 8 May. There'll be crafts, face painting and storytelling for the kids, alongside the chance to explore around the lake and the natural play areas. You can also pop into the house (£5 for adults; free for kids) and enjoy a 'Royal Trail' around Syon House.
When: 8 May 23
Where: Syon House and Gardens, Syon Park, Brentford, London TW8 8JF
**FREE**
8. Eltham Palace and Kids Rule! coronation celebration
Get ready for a right royal knees-up at Eltham Palace's Kids Rule events this May half-term. Head to the grounds of Eltham Palace and Gardens to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
When: 27 May-4 Jun 23
Where: Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP
9.Coronation events at Biscuiteers Icing Cafe
Head to the Biscuiteers Icing Cafes this April and May for some really fun coronation events. At the School of Icing, you can ice your very own Coronation collection, good enough for the King. You’ll master all the skills including colouring, piping, feathering, line and flood icing – and at the end have your very own tin of biscuits to take home! Or try the DIY Icing event, the perfect way for you – or your little Biscuiteer – to get creative and try your hand at icing in the comfort of our café. Finally, you can also enjoy a Coronation Afternoon Tea featuring the perfect mix of sweet and savoury, classic finger sandwiches and patisserie favourites with delicious British tea (or Prosecco!), not forgetting those coronation biscuits.
When: From 22 Apr 23 onwards
Where: Biscuiteers Notting Hill and Biscuiteers Belgravia
Photo by Chris Boland