Saturday 6th May 2023 will of course see the official Coronation Service being undertaken at the iconic & historic Westminster Abbey, where monarchs have traditionally been crowned for over a thousand years! The Coronation is a religious service and a time for celebration and grandeur, the likes of which nobody does better! The King and Queen Consort will make their way to Westminster Abbey in a procession originating from Buckingham Palace (‘'The King's Procession') and following the service, The King and Queen Consort along with other members of the Royal Family will leave Westminster Abbey in a larger procession known as 'The Coronation Procession'.
As tradition dictates, the King &The Queen Consort and Royal Family will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony to mark the end of the day’s ceremonial event and give their cheering public the image they’ll have been waiting for! (And no doubt some amusing face-pulling from a certain young Prince…)
Community time! The Coronation Big Lunch
Residents of all UK communities are welcomed to join in with the Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May. The Coronation Big Lunch, managed and organised by the Big Lunch team of the Eden Project, is an original National lottery-enabled concept that brings people together every year to boost morale, combat loneliness and help charities and other beneficial causes.
So many community events are predicted to take place to mark this historic event across the UK as proud Brits congregate in local streets, gardens, parks and public areas to commemorate the Coronation and this momentous event in general - No one does a good patriotic party like the British, remember VE Day 75th anniversary, and then The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last summer?
Party time! The Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle
Time to let the hair down! Sunday May 7th will see a remarkable Coronation Concert set at Windsor Castle and boasts star-studded assembled cast of international musical icons in honour of the momentous occasion. Spectators at the event will include volunteers from The King & Queen Consort's numerous philanthropic connections, with a top-notch orchestra playing renditions of well-loved tunes headed by some of the world's most prominent entertainers, along with many prominent dancers. We’ll even get some spoken word performances from renowned actors and actresses aswell as The Coronation Choir, a diverse ensemble of amateur singers and local choirs who will be making a special appearance. There’s a bit of everything, it’s fair to say….
The BBC has organised a national ballot to give a few thousand lucky people the chance to attend the concert in person, but it will be no less of a spectacle from the comfort of your own lounge. The focal point of the Coronation Concert, 'Lighting up the Nation' will see the whole nation come together in jubilation as renowned spots around the UK are illuminated with projections, illuminations, lasers and drone displays. It’s going to make one enormous spectacle that we can all enjoy, whether in person or on TV!
The Big Help Out
On Monday 8th May, The Together Coalition and its partners, including the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, alongside religious organisations from throughout the UK, are hosting 'The Big Help Out' to emphasise the positive effect volunteering has on communities across the country. This event is being held to commemorate His Majesty The King's dedication to public service and to motivate people to get involved in aiding their local areas through volunteering. Any initiative like this gets a big thumbs up form us, particularly at the moment….
Party planning!
We think it’s fair to assume that as the big weekend approaches, people will be buying Union Jack flags and bunting with increasing desperation! It’s always the way!. Therefore, it is highly advisable to not wait until the very last minute to get these patriotic items and join in on the fun - they will be a rare commodity by then!! (Remember us all scratching around for Union Jack products and cursing the ‘Out of Stock’ online hurdles in the build up to the 75th VE Day celebrations?)
But what is the best way to join in and display your patriotism? Well the same way as with the other celebrations! Arrange a street or garden party with neighbours, have a right old knees up and crucially do not forget to dress your house/walls/hedges/garden with appropriately patriotic material! One such item might be a hot-off-the-press King Charles III Coronation Flag , which will ensure you’re right up-to-date and really catching the coronation vibe…
You can also show your support for the UK by displaying a classic 5ft x 3ft Union Jack flag or alternatively, get creative with some jolly old Union Jack bunting to add a splash of colour and patriotism to any wall, shop-front garage side or building-front.
Giant UK Flag Bunting is perfect for shouting a bold patriotic gesture too - These flags will make a statement, so be careful, your garden may become a magnet for celebrations! Union Jack Table Flags are small but impactful, adding a splash of colour to your workspace. They don’t half help to spread a sense of patriotism throughout the workplace!
Last but not least, how about the ubiquitous Union Jack car flags? Always a fabulous way to show your patriotism on the go! Buy one and proudly display your unique Union Jack tribute on your vehicle!
Occasions like these truly can be once or twice in a lifetime, so we really should all make an effort to commemorate it accordingly - It’s history in the making as it happens, after all, and Britain in a full swing patriotic party mood really can be a great sight to behold. Here at The Flag Shop, we’re starting the preparations now!