Let’s hear it for Charles!

The coronation sees communities throughout Wiltshire toasting the health of the new king with lunches, street parties, park runs and much more. Samantha Lazzaris discovers what’s happening in your area

When King Charles III formally receives the emblems of state this May, the sceptre, the orb and, of course, the crown placed on his head, many Wiltshire families will be out there with the rest of the nation as the country marks the coronation with a weekend of celebrations. The ceremony itself takes place on Sat 6 May, with celebratory events on Sun 7 May and, of course, an extra bank holiday on Mon 8 May where a host of formal, informal and community festivities are planned across the county.

Wiltshire councils are supporting their communities to hold street parties and encouraging local businesses to get involved in a number of organised events, while the government has extended pub opening hours over the coronation weekend so people can drink to the health of the new king until the early hours.

Among the local councils urging their communities to take part, Trowbridge Town Council has announced a wide range of family activities, including the climax of the celebration, the chance to watch the coronation live on a big screen at The Civic (Sat 6 May). The council hosts events throughout the week, from Mon 1 to Mon 8 May kicking off on the first Monday when local group the Women’s Shed adorns the town with brightly coloured bunting and celebrates the King's love of gardening with Highgrove on the High Street. The Window Wanderland Crown trail encourages local people to dress their windows in a royal and regal way, while there’s an inflatable obstacle course, the Labyrinth Challenge, at Clarendon Academy to encourage a fit and healthy celebration. On Tue 2 May, St James' Church in Trowbridge holds a Service of Celebration, after which it’s time to put on your dancing shoes on Thu 4 May for The Coronation Tea Dance at Trowbridge Town Hall. All budding tennis pros (and those who just enjoy a knockabout) should bring their racket and ball for a fun, friendly, game, set and match at Kings Cup Primary School Tennis Festival (Y3) at Trowbridge Park Tennis Courts.

On the Fri 5 May, the children of Trowbridge display their version of The King's Crown, created especially for this parade, which ends up in the park on Active Trowbridge inflatables. On the same day, there’s a chance to indulge in a celebratory cream tea on at the Not on the Street Party at Trowbridge Museum. Then, kids can bring their face to life with some fantasy free face painting at The Shires Shopping Centre, Sat 6 May, in time for the big event. Families can practice their flexible moves with Yoga at Trowbridge Park on Sun 7, or take part in the Trowbridge Coronation 5K Fun Run around the town, (registration at the Civic).

Corsham Town Council joins the coronation celebrations with the fun, free Crown Trail: find the crowns hiding in the town’s shops (Fri 28 Apr-Wed10 May). There’s a treat for every entry and a right royal prize for the winners. On the Sun 7 May, coronation day itself, musicians play music fit for a king while Busking for the Coronation in the town centre. Next, book a table for your friends and family to watch the historic occasion with a live screening of the coronation at the Pound Arts Centre, Corsham. To help the local community enjoy these events, the council offers free two-hour parking in all its public car parks.

Wiltshire Council has supported local celebrations by permitting road closures and applications for use of its parks, as well as highlighting several national celebrations accessible in this county. These include The Big Coronation Lunch, Sat 6-Mon 8 May, supported by the Eden Project and National Lottery, which any community can add their event to, and the Big Help out, Mon 8 May, where people can volunteer their time to help support vulnerable members of their communities.

Not all councils or communities had announced their coronation plans as Primary Times went to press, so look check our Facebook page www.facebook.com/PrimaryTimesWiltshire/ for events announced in April.

The Big Help Out thebighelpout.org.uk/

Trowbridge Park Tennis Courts www.trowbridge.gov.uk

Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!

Let’s hear it for Charles!

Keep up to date