Plymouth residents are being encouraged to start planning community celebrations for the King’s Coronation bank holiday weekend in May.
There are many ways for people to celebrate the Coronation over the weekend. National events include a procession and service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, an evening Coronation Concert on 7 May, the Coronation Big Lunch throughout the weekend and the Big Help Out community activity on the bank holiday, Monday 8 May.
Plymouth residents will be able to celebrate together over the weekend by organising street parties and community events in parks and by joining a number of events, including a free public screening of the Coronation, Big Help Out volunteering activities and a special service at St Andrew’s.
Plymouth City Council is making it easier for neighbours to gather together and enjoy their own street parties by waiving the usual fees for road closures.
The Council is also waiving the usual administration and site hire charges for anyone hosting a free community event in Plymouth parks between 6 and 8 May, including Central Park and Plymouth Hoe.
Anyone planning a street party or community event needs to submit an application through the Council’s website by 20 March to allow time for requests to be processed.
Everyone is welcome to join the free public screening of the Coronation at Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday 6 May and the Coronation Celebration Service at St Andrew’s Church at 10am on Sunday 7 May.
The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May, in tribute to His Majesty the King’s public service, will be encouraging people up and down the country to give volunteering a go.
The idea is to bring people together in their communities and create a lasting volunteering legacy. Information about how to get involved can be found at thebighelpout.org.uk.
There will be a royal theme at The Box over the weekend where the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I is on display.
Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The King’s Coronation is an important national occasion and a wonderful way for communities to come together and enjoy a day to remember.
“We’re making it easier for neighbours to get together for a street party by waiving the usual fees for road closures. We are also waiving the fees for anyone wanting to hold a community event in a Plymouth park over the weekend.
“There’s no better excuse for a party than the Coronation and we hope people of all ages will join in events and celebrations, which will have a lasting impact on our communities as people get to know each other better.”
Find out more information on the King’s Coronation at visitplymouth.co.uk/coronation