Mark your calendars! On 6 May 2023, King Charles III will be officially crowned King of the United Kingdom, alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
In addition to watching the coronation on television or trying to catch a glimpse of the newly-crowned King on the streets, the long weekend is set to be one of horses in hats, countless flags, the national anthem on repeat, and plenty of goings-on across the capital.
Whether you prefer lively street parties or more refined afternoon tea celebrations, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation while also making the most of the extra May bank holiday.
Watch The King’s Procession
Join in the excitement on May 6 2023 and head down to The Mall for a chance to witness ‘The King’s Procession’ in person. Be prepared to set up camp and wait for the procession, which will see their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and back in ‘The Coronation Procession’. If you’d rather not punish your feet and legs so extremely, watch all of the action live on BBC One.
When: May 6
Picnic in a royal park
On coronation day, St James’s Park and Green Park are likely to be bustling with people. However, don’t let that deter you from having a picnic in a royal park. You can always find a quieter spot further away from the main event to lay out a picnic blanket and soak up the festive atmosphere. Alternatively, if you prefer a more spacious location, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are excellent options.
See the coronation exhibition
To celebrate the coronation, Westminster Abbey has announced a series of exciting events, some of which have already sold out. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to walk on the Cosmati pavement where the Coronation Chair will be placed on May 6. However, you can still visit the coronation exhibition at the Chapter House. Admission to the exhibition is included in the entry price to the Abbey, and you’ll get to see historic illustrations and photographs that showcase the grandeur and pageantry behind the coronation traditions. Please note that Westminster Abbey will be closed between April 25 and May 8 to prepare for the coronation, but the exhibition will be available until September 30 2023.
When: From April 11 until September 30
See London illuminated
During the coronation weekend, an event called “Light Up the Nation” is scheduled where landmarks all over the country will be lit up with the assistance of drones, projections, and lasers. As part of the Coronation Concert in Windsor, the lighting will take place on Sunday, May 7.
While the list of landmarks that will be illuminated hasn’t been revealed yet, some potential candidates include popular sites like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Battersea Power Station.
When: May 7
Mayfair secret garden party
The heart of the London borough of Westminster, Mayfair, will be hosting a secret garden party to celebrate the coronation bank holiday, where guests can receive the royal treatment. Grosvenor Square will be transformed into an urban garden inspired by Alice in Wonderland, offering the perfect setting to bask in the sunshine while sipping on themed cocktails and watching history unfold on cinema screens scattered throughout the greenery.
When: May 6 – 7
Battersea Power Station street party
For another free alternative, head down to the all-new Battersea Power Station for its very British street party. Visitors can watch the live broadcast of the Coronation on a large screen in the Power Station’s six-acre park starting at 11 am throughout the weekend. In addition, there will be plenty of street food, family-friendly activities, ping-pong tables from Bounce, live music, and much more.
When: May 6 – 7
Coronation afternoon tea
From April 24th to May 28th, 2023, The Goring Hotel, which is the only hotel with a Royal Warrant will be hosting a special Coronation afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy a view of The Goring Garden and The Royal Border, which contains some of The Royal Family’s preferred plants and flowers. The menu features a selection of exquisite King Charles’ favourite sandwiches, made with ingredients from other Royal Warrant providers, as well as delicious cakes decorated with the CRIII insignia, carriages, and crowns.
When: From April 24 until May 28