From tea parties to knitted post box toppers and whole town and village events – Thanet has been taking part in Coronation celebrations today (May 6).
Whether marking the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort or just taking advantage of the bonus bank holiday, people young and old have been enjoying the fun.
More events are set to take place this evening with firework displays in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate and further fun planned for tomorrow and Bank Holiday Monday.
Our lovely sea swimming subgroup the Mermaids took to the waves this morning to celebrate the #coronation of King Charles III in #margate, in shades of red white and blue. Looking glorious ladies! @WILifemagazine @WomensInstitute pic.twitter.com/HfrBag37CA
— MargateWI (@MargateWi) May 6, 2023
The coronation ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey.
Events still to come include:
Broadstairs
Victoria Gardens, on Broadstairs seafront,, from Saturday 6 May until Bank Holiday Monday 8 May.
Tonight at 9pm there will be a Grand Firework display over Viking Bay including a celebratory crown and beacon lighting on the beach, weather permitting.
Sunday will continue with craft and trade stalls on Victoria Gardens.
At noon a Fun Dog Show will take place and dog owners are invited to sign up as soon as possible by contacting the Town Council on [email protected].
Participants will also be able to sign up on the day, subject to maximum numbers. Medway Brass Band will then provide a ‘Prom’ style concert on the bandstand from 2.30pm.
Residents and visitors are invited to come along and wave a flag, compliments of the Chamber of Commerce, and join in the fun. There will be an opportunity, between 11am – 2pm, for children to make and colour a crown to wear and they will be offered a small treat if they come dressed in red, white and blue, or in Coronation themed fancy dress.
Bank Holiday Monday will have a showcase of much of what Broadstairs and St Peter’s has to offer. The Inspiration Creative Signing Choir will open the day’s proceedings with a performance on the bandstand at 11am followed at half hourly intervals by local groups such as the Dickens Declaimers, Folk Week and the St Peter’s Village Tour who will all give a taster of the events to be enjoyed in the town over the summer.
As part of the King’s Big Help Out theme, local voluntary organisations will be set up in Victoria Gardens to give information about what they do and to attract new volunteer and participants.
Finally, to round off the weekend, regular bandstand favourites Charlie Don’t Surf will delight the crowds between 2pm – 5pm.
Ramsgate
Between 1pm and 11pm there is live music on the Coronation stage on Ramsgate seafront, opposite the Queen’s Head pub. There is a funfair between 1pm-10pm.
On Sunday, May 7 on the seafront between 11am and 4pm the handmade market will be held. 10am to 1.30pm crown making and facepainting, 2pm to 11pm live music on the Coronation stage.
At 2pm the Coronation parade will head off from the High Street.
At 3.30pm there is a street party, entry by wristband, and at 4pm a fancy dress competition will be held.
Some 200 children have been invited to a tea party following the parade which will include regal jellies , made from the blackberries and rhubarb on a local allotment, along with Hogman’s family butchers sausages.The Modern Boulangerie will be treating Ramsgate to delicious Victoria Sandwich cake. The effort, working with Town Promoter Rebekah Smith, will be the first food service for Thanet offered by the new project ‘Local Meals Made With Love’ run by Sharon Goodyer..
At 9pm there will be a firework display on the beach opposite Ramsgate Tunnels.
On Monday, May 8 the market runs from 11am-4pm, funfair from 10am to 5pm, 11am-1pm the Big Help Out litter pick on the main sands and 1pm-7pm live music on the seafront stage.
All events on the harbour front unless otherwise stated.
Margate
Saturday, May 6 – Coronation Conga along Marine Drive at 8.30pm (road closed from 7pm-10pm) with steel band from Your School of Music Canterbury.
Fireworks on Margate main sands at 8.45pm.
Monday, May 8 – Rise Up Clean Up in Margate are partnering with Kent Coast Volunteering to put on a beach clean as part of the Big Help Out.
It takes place on the main sands from 4pm-5pm, meeting at the blue and white striped beach hut opposite Dreamland and volunteers to take part will be welcomed. Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Birchington
Sunday, May 7 – family fun day and concert from midday, picnic, barbecue and bar.
Monday, May 8 The Big Help Out
At Dog Acre
Cliffsend
The Big Lunch on Sunday 7th May will be held in Marjorie Chapman meadow and people are asked to bring their own chairs, tables, gazebos etc. BBQs will be allowed provided they are on legs.
Organisers will also try and arrange something for kids. If you wish to dress in patriotic clothing then feel free to do so. The meadow will be decorated.
In the evening the plan is to live stream the concert from Windsor Castle. This will be held in the play area. Bring your own seats, blankets etc.
Minster & Monkton Royal British Legion
Sunday, May 7 from 1pm, live music with The Breeze, barbecue, plant a coronation sunflower. Royal fancy dress. Kids art tables. Raffle and more.
RBL club, 61 Augustine Rd, Minster.