How to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in London
With the King's coronation just around the corner, London is preparing to host its first coronation in 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II's in 1953. There will be a series of celebrations throughout the city to mark this historic event, from large crowds gathering to witness the ceremony to communities hosting street parties in their boroughs. Visitors can also indulge in lavish coronation-themed afternoon teas, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the weekend. With a bank holiday weekend to look forward to, there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Here's our guide to some of the exciting things happening during the upcoming coronation weekend.
Visit the coronation displays in the city
Image: New Bond Street, London, © MTotoe
#FLODown: In preparation for the Coronation of King Charles III, several locations in central London have been decorated with Union Jack flags, from Regent Street to Marylebone High Street. The Dorchester hotel has recreated the iconic decorations used during Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953, with its façade adorned with dramatic drapes and gold accents on the windows. The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is also celebrating the coronation with a ‘King of Green' installation in the hotel lobby, featuring carefully selected native trees and plants that depict a mesmerising British woodland scene. These are just a few examples of the many coronation-themed decorations that will be present at London's hotels and establishments throughout the coronation weekend. Don't miss out on the chance to capture some of these Instagrammable moments!
The Coronation Prom
Image: Royal Albert Hall, © Chay Kelly
#FLODown: On the evening of the coronation, a concert by the All Souls Orchestra and The Coronation Prom Massed Choir, alongside performers from across the Commonwealth, will be held at the Royal Albert Hall. The event will feature a program including royal anthems and overtures by Elgar, Holst, Handel, and John Williams. The orchestra has a longstanding residency at the Royal Albert Hall and is famous worldwide for a unique voice in music. The concert will honour the new King's reign and celebrate the "King of kings." .The event will be broadcast online, joining audiences from around the world to celebrate this special occasion together.
Date: Saturday 6 May 2023. Time: 7.30pm Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Book now.
Street Party at the Savoy Hotel
Image: @thesavoylondon
#FLODown: The Savoy hotel is hosting a street party on Savoy Court to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The party will offer guests finger sandwiches, pastries, a Victoria sponge cake, and bubbles from Nyetimber. The Travelling Hands will provide entertainment. The party is expected to start at 3 pm. Dress code is smart casual, and seating will be on one long table. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options. Beverages include Nyetimber Classic Cuvee MV and Rosé MV, and JING Pearls Sparkling Tea.
Date: 6 May 2023. Time: 3pm - 7pm. Location: The Savoy Hotel, Strand London WC2R 0EZ. Price: £260. Book now.
Mayfair Coronation Garden Party
#FLODown: Get ready for a truly regal experience at the upcoming Coronation Garden Party in Mayfair's Grosvenor Square. Relax in a comfortable deckchair and witness the grandeur of King Charles III's coronation ceremony and the Windsor concert on an impressive cinema-sized screen while being surrounded by stunning floral installations and exquisite tablescapes. Be wowed by the host of royal-themed immersive experiences. Satisfy your taste buds with an array of delicious dishes with a coronation twist and sip on bespoke royal-themed cocktails. The event also offers exciting family-friendly activities and live music performances, ensuring a fun-filled day for all! The celebrations commences at 10 am and continues until 8 pm on 6 May and from 12 pm until the conclusion of the Windsor Castle concert on 7 May.
Date: 6 May, 10am - 8pm. 7 May 12pm - late. Location: Mayfair. Price: Free.
Join the crowds at the procession
Image: © Jonny Gios
#FLODown: Following the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the newly crowned King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will travel 1.3 miles back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, waving to the crowds along the way. They will take the same route back that they took to the ceremony, passing through The Mall, Admiralty Arch, King Charles I Island, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary. Unlike the Queen's coronation, the procession will be shorter, and the best viewing spots include Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, and Parliament Square. Following the ceremony, there will be two processions from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, with the Coronation Procession joined by other senior royals before concluding with an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Go for a Regal Afternoon Tea
Image: Coronation Afternoon Tea, Haymarket Hotel
#FLODown:Looking to escape the crowds of people or pause for a breather in between events during the coronation weekend in London? You're in luck! The city boasts a variety of special afternoon teas with a regal twist. the upcoming coronation weekend. Click here to explore our top picks for royal-inspired tea experiences in the city.
Lighting Up the Nation
Image: © Tom Chen
#FLODown: Don’t miss out on the city being lit up! On 7 May, as part of the Coronation Concert in Windsor, landmarks around the UK will be illuminated with projections, lasers, drone displays, and illuminations as part of the ‘Light Up the Nation’ event. The list of landmarks has not been announced yet, but potential locations include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. The event will be a highlight of the Coronation Concert, which will take place in Windsor.
The Big Help Out
Image: @togethercoalition
#FLODown: On 8 May 8 2023, The Big Help Out will take place, inviting members of the public to participate in volunteering and supporting their local areas. The event is being organised by The Together Coalition and various partners, such as The Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service. The event aims to highlight the positive impact of volunteering on communities and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend. Click here for information on how to attend or organise a Big Help Out event.
The Pearlies at Leadenhall Market
Image: The Pearlies at Leadenhall Market
#FLODown: Leadenhall Market in the City of London is set to celebrate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort with a Pearly King and Pearly Prince leading the festivities. The Pearlies will be dressed in their iridescent mother-of-pearls and will be offering photo opportunities and traditional Pearly Cockney singalongs to visitors between 11am – 4pm on Friday 5 May. The celebration will also feature music hall performances, free cake from the market’s bakery Aux Merveilleux de Fred, and free teas & coffees. Pearly Kings and Queens have been icons of London since the 17th Century, originally adopted by costermongers and coster-singers, and later adopted by communities across the capital to support charitable organisations.
Date: 5 May. 2023. Time: 11am - 4pm. Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
Watch the Coronation Concert
Image: Windsor Castle Peter Albanese
#FLODown: The BBC and BBC Studios will produce and broadcast a live Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May 2023. The concert will feature global music icons and contemporary stars, a world-class orchestra, performers from the world of dance, and spoken word sequences. A diverse group called The Coronation Choir, created from the nation's community choirs and amateur singers, will also make an appearance. The concert will culminate in ‘Lighting up the Nation,’ a display that will see iconic locations across the UK lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays, and illuminations. Although the public ballot for tickets has closed, the event will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.
Coronation celebration at Battersea Power Station
Image: Battersea Power Station
#FLODown: Battersea Power Station is hosting a King’s Coronation Party on the 6 -7 May, offering a range of activities, food and drink deals, and live music. Visitors can enjoy the coronation service and procession on big screens in Power Station Park, accompanied by food from bars and restaurants or pop-up food trucks, while live music and unique acts roam the park. Bus King Theatre is hosting a puppet show and workshop for children, while activities such as face painting, balloon modelling and bubble shows are also available. There are also various royal offers available throughout the weekend, including special screenings, shopping deals and complimentary gifts. Thirty bars and restaurants will offer Coronation-themed dishes, picnic hampers and exclusive cocktails!
Date: 6 - 7 May 2023. Time: 11am - 8pm. Location: Power Station Park, Battersea Power Station, SW11.
Coronation celebration in Wembley Park
Image: @wembleyparkldn
#FLODown: Wembley Park is hosting a street party celebration on 6 May. The event will feature live music, performances, special kids' entertainment, street food markets, and 'King Charles' selfie moments. Attendees can also enjoy a giant screen showing the Coronation with deck chairs available for seating. The event will be free to attend on a first-come, first served basis up to capacity. Additionally, throughout the month of May, the iconic Olympic Way will be renamed 'King's Way' in recognition of King Charles's accession to the throne.
Date: 6 May 2023. Time: 10am - 4pm. Location: Wembley Park, HA9. Price: Free.
Picnic at Hampton Court Palace
Image: Hampton Court Palace, KT Likes Coffee
#FLODown: Experience the excitement of history in the making at Hampton Court Palace Gardens with a special screening of the Coronation. Visitors are invited to bring your own picnic and comfortable camping chairs to toast the occasion in style. While there, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the stunning gardens free of charge and indulge in delicious refreshments. As a memento of the day, attendees can also get a regal-themed souvenir.
Date: 6 May 2023. Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm. Location: East Front Garden, Hampton court palace , Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU.
Picnic at Kew Gardens
Image: Kew Gardens, April 2023, © MTotoe
#FLODown: Join in the festivities at Kew Gardens as they roll out the royal carpet to celebrate the Coronation of their esteemed Patron, King Charles III. Indulge in a delightful picnic, while you discover the intriguing royal history of Kew Gardens. Alternatively, bask in the beauty of the world-renowned plant collection in full bloom!
Location: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Website: kew.org
