Majestic Celebrations: The Best Coronation Events
Royally good ways to celebrate!
Main image: Kings Coronation at Battersea Power Station – credit: Charlie Round-Turner
1
Celebrate Kingston’s Coronation History, 7 May
Gather in Kingston to celebrate the coronation and the borough’s long royal history. A parade begins with a fanfare and a Town Crier who proclaims it is the year 925 and the crowning of King Athelstan in Kingston. From here a junk percussion band made up of the community leads the audience on a journey through the ages to the present day.
2
King’s Coronation Tea – HomeFood Café, Wimbledon Guild, 5 May
Celebrate HRH King Charles III’s Coronation with a traditional afternoon tea fit for a King at HomeFood Café. Indulge in the King’s favourites such as cream lemon pots and ham sandwiches, as well as some of the café’s own classics. Afterward, relax in the cosy lounge while enjoying a complimentary royal-themed movie.
3
Commonside Coronation Celebration – Merton, 6 May
The Commonside Trust is organising a family fun day filled with food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, have their faces painted, or simply relax and enjoy the coronation on the big screen. There will also be a raffle, games, and plenty of children’s activities to keep the little ones entertained.
4
Chiswick Coronation Flower Market – 7 May
For the upcoming coronation market, visitors can expect to be transported back in time with vintage children’s carousels, Punch & Judy shows, and a lively street party atmosphere complete with a bar from a local pub.
5
Coronation Minigolf at Polesden Lacey – various dates throughout April, May and June
Play a game of mini-golf inspired by Bertie and Elizabeth’s honeymoon at Polesden Lacey 100 years ago. Putt your way around the gardens and snap a photo with the royal couple as you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
6 Crown to Couture Kensington Palace, 5 April – 29 October
7
DorKing Coronation – 8 May
Join in the celebration of Dorking’s heritage, culture, and spirit at the ‘DorKing Coronation’ event, with an open-air art exhibition featuring community artwork competition winners, a sustainable market, kids crafts and face painting and live entertainment.
8
Handel Coronation Anthems – St John’s Spencer Hill, Wimbledon, 13 May
The Academy Choir Wimbledon will be performing all four of Handel’s Coronation Anthems, which were originally written for the coronation of George II in 1728 and have since become an integral part of coronation ceremonies. Among the anthems is the well-known Zadok the Priest, which has been performed at every coronation since its debut.
9
Putney Celebrations – Church Square, 8 May
10 HOW TO BE A GOOD MONARCH – 1000 YEARS OF KINGS & QUEENS – Epsom Playhouse, 24 May
Join an evening with Tracy Borman, the acclaimed royal historian, author, and broadcaster, on her first-ever theatre tour. As the coronation of a new monarch approaches, Tracy will delve into birth, romance, beheading, coronation, abdication, marriage, divorce, disaster, and triumph. Read our interview with Tracy.
11 Wimbledon Village celebrations – 7-8 May
Expect a variety of entertainment options, whether you plan to spend a few hours or an entire day exploring. Markets, themed menus, wine tastings, face-painting, and even a horseback parade featuring ‘Charles’ and ‘Camilla’!
12 Coronation Parties, Chelsea – 6-7 May
Enjoy a screening of the ceremony, coronation brunch, and royal-themed cocktails, along with a free hog roast and DJ until 2am at King’s House Chelsea. The menu features cocktails such as Royal Rose, Windsor Garden, and His Majesty’s Mule. Special coronation stacks and complimentary cocktails will be available for guests with the name Charles, Charlie, Charlotte or surname Charles.
13 Coronation in Carnaby – 5-8 May
Carnaby has unveiled new ‘Coronation in Carnaby’ arches and a glistening Union Flag with an oversized crown. The giant light bulb art installations on Ganton Street have been transformed into red, white and blue. Enjoy live roaming music from a brass band, a free photobooth, special promotions, and in-store activations throughout the bank holiday weekend.
14 Coronation Weekend at Skylight – 6 May
Celebrate the coronation with an afternoon of bottomless Pimms and outdoor croquet at rooftop bar Skylight Tobacco Dock, all while enjoying the views of the London skyline. The coronation will also be screened (without sound) so you can watch the action.
15 Celebrations at Battersea Power Station – 6-7 May
Battersea Power Station is hosting a unique street party on Saturday and Sunday. The event will take place under the iconic chimneys and will feature Union Jack decorations, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and a broadcast of the coronation on a big screen. Plus the opportunity to indulge in specially curated coronation-themed menus, cocktails, and offers from British brands located in the building and pop-up stalls.
16 Celebrations at Ram Quarter – 6 May
Ram Quarter is hosting a coronation market featuring themed decorations, desserts, gourmet street food, drinks, crafts, and games for all ages. This will be a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the festivities and soak up the celebratory atmosphere.