Looking ahead to the King’s Coronation
In this blog, we look at various celebration events happening near each of our houses.
The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, 2023.
In this blog, we look at various celebration events happening near each of our houses. Plus, we’ve also been talking to tenants about their memories or family stories from Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation. Many remember watching on TV and having street party fun.
So, what are you looking forward to seeing or doing at the King's Coronation? Here are some ideas.
Abbeyfield House, Hove – Brighton & Hove
If you live in or near our Abbeyfield House in Aymer Road here’s what’s going on in your area.
Big Screens
Large screens will be put up in public places across the UK to show the Coronation. Locations stretch from Bournemouth to Belfast and will include sites in all four nations of the UK - including Jubilee Square in Brighton. The plan means that thousands of people can come together to watch the historic event.
A Right Royal Spectacle: The Coronation of George IV
- 11 March to 10 September 2023
- Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton & Hove
This display at the Royal Pavilion celebrates the accession to the throne by one of the most extravagant British kings in history. Throughout the ground floor you will see pictures, costumes, documents and objects from George’s spectacular coronation.
Portraits of King Charles
- 5 May to 4 June
- Hove Museum & Art Gallery, New Church Road
A display of pennant-shaped portraits of King Charles III made by local schoolchildren to celebrate the coronation.
At our Hove house, we will be having Gin Cocktails & Nibbles in the lounge from 11.00 am, watching the Coronation on the television followed by Lunch and Cream Tea!
I was very fortunate as my father was given 2 seats along Piccadilly near Green Park. He gave them to my Aunt and me, so at some unearthly hour, we had to be on our way to get there by a certain time. The police were already lined along the street and we were highly amused to see them take sandwiches from their helmets for a lunchtime snack. The Parade didn’t pass until after the Coronation. Eventually, we heard a noise in the distance culminating in a roar. Wow! There was such a frizzle of excitement despite the rain. The golden coach looked fabulous. Other coaches had their hoods up because of the rain, but not the Queen of Tonga. Suddenly the noise increased. With the hood down and umbrella up she appeared with a big smile on her face. I think she got an even bigger roar of approval than the Queen. My Aunt and I decided to walk down The Mall and were delighted to see Royalty on the Palace balcony. A wonderful day never to be forgotten.
Jean, Abbeyfield Alfriston
Abbeyfield House, Cadogan Gardens - Tunbridge Wells
If you live in or near our Abbeyfield House in Tunbridge Wells here’s what’s going on in your area.
Street Celebrations
You’ll find over 50 flags, 3km of bunting and 140 plaques decorating the length of the town from mid-April. On the weekend itself there will be over 20 entertainment stands including Royal-themed shows, street theatre shows, arts & craft stands, music performances, costumed characters, photo opportunities, games and TV screens to watch the big day.
These activities will run from Market Square on Camden Road, through the Royal Victoria Space centre and Calverley Road (just a stone’s throw from the house!), in the Amelia, down Civic Way, in Calverley Grounds, along the High Street and Castle Street, through Chapel Place to the Pantiles.
Tonbridge Coronation Picnic
Nearby Tonbridge will host a celebration picnic on Sunday 7 May at Tonbridge Castle. Bring a picnic and enjoy the entertainment.
I was a student nurse at St Thomas’s Hospital and a friend and I watched Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Procession on The Mall. We took up positions the night before right on the roadside. We were entertained through the night by various performers. It rained a bit. We saw the procession twice - once to the Abbey and again on its return journey to the palace. There were no barricades just servicemen lining the route. Never to be forgotten!
Anne, Holdenhurst
In 1953 I had been friendly with Bill for about eight months when the Coronation took place. Not many people had TVs then so I was delighted when he said "I've been invited to watch the Coronation with friends in their home - would you like to come?" So, I duly dressed in red, white and blue and joined them. We all cheered when Princess Elizabeth appeared, I think in the Golden Coach in the rain. The TV was black and white so we weren't sure of any colours! Princess Elizabeth looked very serious, in fact, my memory is of everything being solemn - until the moment when all the Dukes lifted their crowns in the air. I remember that we all took our own sandwiches to the house. Rationing was over but there were still shortages of butter, meats etc. But we did share our homemade cakes and biscuits! Tea wasn't rationed anymore but it wasn't plentiful. I can't remember what we drank - coffee wasn't popular then as it is now. The whole atmosphere of the day was one of rejoicing and celebrating, with confidence and pride.
Hazel, Abbeyfield Alfriston
Lade House and Beamsley House, Eastbourne, and Abbeyfield House, Alfriston
If you live in or near any of these three houses you have the choice of events across Wealden and Seven Sisters Country Park.
King Charles Coronation at Seven Sisters Country Park
- 6th May 2023
- Time: 11:00- 17:00, Admission free
Join a special screening of the live coronation of King Charles III in the historic Pump Barn. Whether you want to watch the entire historical event, or just pop in before a walk across the park, we will be displaying the coronation on a big new screen. They will also be serving locally produced beer, Pimms and a selection of nostalgic confectionery.
At our Alfriston house, we will be watching Coronation on television and will decorate the house and enjoy a special themed supper. The village is also arranging a Coronation Parade which they kindly asked if we would like to see especially for residents on Sunday 7th May so we are looking forward to that too!
Holdenhurst, Heathfield – Wealden
There will be several events across the Wealden area over the weekend of the Coronation. Here are a few near Heathfield:
- Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council are holding a family fun day on Sunday 7thMay, Heathfield Community Centre field from 2pm-7pm. There will be live music, stalls, food and drink and lots of entertainment for adults and children.
- Wadhurst Parish Council are planning a picnic event for the Sunday (5 May 2022).
- Fletching Parish Council are planning a street party on Sunday 7 May.
- The Hailsham Memorial Institute (Western Road) will be holding a celebration for its members and guests on Saturday 6 May. The event will be an ‘open’ event so non-members are welcome to join in the celebrations
At Holdenhurst, we will be holding a Coronation Party on 6th May, plus Sharon’s Bank Holiday Birthday BBQ on 8th May. After all, she’s our Kitchen Queen!
Look out next month for photos of celebration events in our houses.