The coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is the talk of the City – and the Square Mile is ready to celebrate in style.
Events are taking place across the City of London throughout the coronation weekend, and there’s plenty for the entire family to enjoy.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “Since time immemorial, the City has been a loyal supporter of the Monarchy, so it’s quite right that residents, workers and visitors should come together to celebrate the crowning of our new King in style.
“During Coronation week, a wide variety of events and activities are on offer, all of which support our Destination City vision of the Square Mile as a seven-day-a-week visitor destination.”
Events in City streets are being organised by the Aldgate Connect, Cheapside Business Alliance, EC and Fleet Street Quarter BIDs.
Speaking on behalf of the City Business Improvement Districts, Ruth Duston OBE, OC, MD of Primera, said: “The BIDs are proud to be supporting this important moment for the nation and we look forward to welcoming workers, visitors, and residents to join the celebrations. The new King’s passion for the environment is being brought to life in different ways.
“These events also provide a great opportunity to showcase the commitment that each of the BIDs have made to the vital ‘green’ agenda, through greening and biodiversity projects and the important role our precious green spaces can play in improving mental health and wellbeing.”
The City Information Centre, opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, will be open from 2-8 May for information about things to do in the City and to buy Coronation souvenirs.
Here’s what’s happening:
Until 6 Oct – 10.30am to 4pm
City of London Heritage Gallery (in Guildhall Art Gallery) – For the first time, three of the City’s oldest charters will be on display together. In the Coronation year of Charles III, this display reflects on the historic links between the monarchy and the City of London – cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhallartgallery
Until 14 July – 8am to 9pm
The Crescent, Blue Orchid Hotel, 100 Minories – Padel Tennis Festival. Grab a friend or work colleague and take part in this growing sport. Book online – londonloveaffair.com
2-7 May – various times
Seething Lane – Pop-up wellbeing garden. Pose for pictures with floral crown installation. Forest bathing to audio soundscapes – ecbid.co.uk
2-8 May – various times (see website)
The City Information Centre (opposite St Paul’s Cathedral) – Get advice about things to do in the City, and buy Coronation souvenirs including a Coronation King rubber duck – cityoflondon.gov.uk/cic
2 May – 30 June
20 Fenchurch Street (home of the Sky Garden) – urban allotments with herbs and wildflowers for the community to enjoy – ecbid.co.uk
2 May – 10.30 to 11.30 am
Seething Lane garden – Beginner-friendly yoga workshops – ecbid.co.uk
2 May – 12.30 to 1.15pm and 3 May 5.30 to 6.15pm
Starts Guildhall Yard by Art Gallery – 1000 Years of Royalty – ‘the Best, the Worst and the Very Horribilus’ – A Guided Walking Tour of Culture Mile BID area by London Spy David Harry – culturemilebid.co.uk
3-4 May – noon to 2pm
Seething Lane Garden – Coronation picnics with free hampers in partnership with Four Seasons Hotel (limited availability) – ecbid.co.uk
3-4 May – noon to 4pm
Carter Lane, Gough Square and Bream’s Buildings – BIG Picnic featuring community art classes, giant flower decor, entertaining hedge and flower performers and more – fleetstreetquarter.co.uk
3-4 May – 12.30 to 1.30pm
St Botolph’s without Bishopsgate Church – Summer floral centrepiece workshops to support mental health and wellbeing. Create floral creations in the shape of a crown – ecbid.co.uk
5 May – 10 to 11.30am
Golden Lane Community Centre – Coronation tea party for City residents – healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
5 May – 10.30 to 11.30am
Seething Lane garden – Beginner-friendly yoga workshops – ecbid.co.uk
5 May – 11am to 4pm
Leadenhall Market – Cockney knees-up with Pearly King and Pearly Prince, free tea, coffee and cakes – leadenhallmarket.co.uk
5 May – 3 to 4.30pm
Portsoken Community Centre – Coronation tea party for City Residents – healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
6-8 May – 9.30am to 5pm
Tower Bridge – Make your own crowns and sashes from art materials. Visitors also get a special commemorative ticket. City, Tower Hamlets and Southwark residents enter for £1 – towerbridge.org.uk
7 May – after 11am eucharist
St Bartholomew the Great – Coronation Party – pre-book tickets at greatstbarts.com
7 May – 1 to 7pm
Aldgate Square – Big Coronation Lunch featuring food, English, Latino and Bangladeshi music and dancing, family games including letter writing to the King, kids’ fancy dress contest – aldgateconnect.london
7 May – 3 to 4pm
St Paul’s Cathedral – Choral Evensong to celebrate the Coronation – stpauls.co.uk
13, 20, 27 May – 2 to 4pm
Starts at Mansion House – ‘Monarchy in the City’ guided walking tour led by official City of London Guides. Discover the City’s connections with royalty, including Royal weddings, Jubilee celebrations and more – cityoflondonguides.com
Until 30 July – 10.30am to 4pm
Guildhall Art Gallery – The Big City, collection of supersize London paintings including those depicting Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation luncheon – cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhallartgallery
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