The King's Coronation – Events, Street Party & Decorating Ideas for the Bank Holiday Weekend
The long-awaited Coronation of King Charles III promises to be one of the most defining events of 2023. Be a part of the celebrations and decorate for this exciting weekend of festivity from 6th-8th May. At Party Packs, we’re here to make sure you don’t miss out on this special royal occasion.
In this blog, find everything you need to know about the Coronation of King Charles III. We’ll answer some top questions about the ceremony and weekend of events. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the Coronation, this article has plenty of ideas! Find top tips for decorating your venue and exclusive party supplies for the Coronation here...
What is the Coronation?
The Coronation is a royal ceremony taking place to crown Charles III the new King. The occasion is sure to be one of the most remarkable royal celebrations we will ever experience in our lifetimes. A service will be held in which the new King will take an oath and have St. Edwards crown placed upon his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This moving ceremony is just one of many events planned for the upcoming Coronation weekend.
The King’s Coronation is history in the making - an occasion for pageantry and celebration, with festivities encouraged across the nation! This means that a bank holiday in the UK has been announced for this special state event, giving us all a chance to get involved with this spectacular event and celebrate.
When is the Coronation of King Charles?
Exactly when can we look forward to the coronation of the new King? The coronation ceremony of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023, kicking off the weekend of festivities.
The event has been scheduled to coincide with the spring/summer season of 2023, marking 70 years since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This makes the celebrations all the more special for many. The ceremony itself is just one of many events which will take place over the bank holiday, with many more celebrations spread across the duration of the weekend. Read on to find out how you can get involved...
What is happening for the Coronation?
Details of the big weekend have finally been announced by Buckingham Palace. The coronation has been anticipated ever since Charles was named King back in September, and organisers are going all-out for this extraordinary event! The coronation will be a royal spectacle like no other, spanning over three days and starting with two grand processions on Saturday.
The King’s Procession
The King and Queen Consort will travel in the Gold State Coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation service will take place. For the King’s Procession, the streets of London will be lined with crowds and spectators, with members of the armed forces in attendance.
Religious service
The Coronation service on Saturday 6th May 2023 will be a ceremony like no other seen before. Queen Elizabeth’s coronation took place 70 years ago in 1953, and most of us have only ever heard recollections of the day from our parents or grandparents, or seen in clips of black and white footage from when television was in its earliest days.
The Coronation weekend will begin with a service held in Westminster Abbey, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which dates all the way back to 1066. King Charles will take a coronation oath, accompanied by his wife The Queen Consort, Camilla.
The new King will be blessed by the Archbishop, and receive the royal orb and sceptres, which we last saw removed from above the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II at her state funeral in September 2022. The Archbishop will then place St Edward’s Crown on the King’s head. This impressive ceremony will see many royal traditions upheld - with the Coronation service having remained almost the same for over a thousand years.
The Coronation Procession
The Coronation service in Westminster Abbey is likely to have a similar type of guest list to the Queen’s funeral – religious leaders, peers, MPs, foreign heads of state – from presidents to monarchs and more. But for members of the public wanting to attend the Coronation in person, there will be a procession through London to mark the occasion, giving us all a chance to join in with the pageantry!
After the Coronation ceremony, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will travel back to Buckingham Palace in the ceremonial ‘Coronation Procession’. His Majesty King Charles III and wife Camilla will be joined in this regal parade by fellow members of the royal family - likely to include The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine. Once at Buckingham Palace, The King, The Queen Consort and royal family will make an appearance on the balcony to wave for the crowds below.
Coronation Concert
On Sunday 7th May there will be a Coronation Concert held at Windsor Castle. This special performance will be produced and broadcast live by the BBC for the whole nation to watch. In the same spirit as the concerts held for the Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth over the course of her reign, this event will bring global music icons and performers from far and wide together in celebration of this momentous historic event.
The concert will showcase a world-class orchestra, as well as dancers and entertainers. Performing alongside these stars will be The Coronation Choir, a diverse cross-section of the community choirs and amateur singers from across the UK. This includes NHS choirs, Refugee choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs, representing the many faces and voices of the country.
Attending the Coronation Concert will be volunteers of The King and The Queen Consort’s many charity affiliations. The rest of the audience will be made up of lucky members of the general public. There will be a ballot in which many thousands of ordinary people are selected to receive a pair of free tickets to the show. If you’re keen to attend, keep your eyes peeled for more details of how to enter the ballot plus the full line-up for the Coronation Concert in due course…
Lighting up the Nation
‘Lighting up the Nation’ will be the visual centrepiece of the Coronation concert. In this spectacular display of light across Britain and the United Kingdom, the country will unite in celebration by lighting up towns, cities and regions. Locations throughout the nation will be lit up with projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations. Check out the information in your local area for details how to get involved with ‘Lighting up the Nation’.
The Coronation Big Lunch
Could this be the biggest community get together in British history? The Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7th May will brings millions of people together to share food and fun together, with street parties, picnics, barbeques, tea parties taking place across the country.
Her Majesty The Queen Consort is a patron of the Big Lunch, an event which encourages neighbourhoods and communities to get together for support and to boost community spirit. Described on the Big Lunch website as a ‘right royal knees up’, this is the Coronation event you don’t want to miss!
Everyone is invited to get involved and celebrate, in a nationwide get together of friendship, food and fun. From a cup of tea with your neighbours to a catered event for the whole community, no meet-up is too big or small, and street parties are encouraged around the country.
The Coronation Big Lunch is a great way to get to know your neighbours and the members of your community a little better. Thousands of events are will take place throughout every corner of the UK this May, as we take to the streets, gardens, parks and community spaces of our local areas to join in the Coronation celebrations over this special weekend.
At Party Packs, we’re here to help you and the people of your community start your Coronation Big Lunch planning. Read on for more, including ideas for your Coronation celebration and ways to decorate your home, street or venue…
The Big Help Out
The celebrations continue into the Monday of the bank holiday weekend when we’ll be encouraged to volunteer in our local areas, as part of The Big Help Out. The aim of this event is to use volunteering to bring communities together, creating a lasting legacy from the Coronation Weekend with a boost of community spirit!
According to the Palace website, The Big Help Out will take place on 8th May, ‘organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the United Kingdom’. In tribute to King Charles’ public service, it will highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the country. The Big Help Out will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join with supporting their local areas.
Who celebrates the Coronation?
Absolutely everyone is invited to celebrate the Coronation! The event is sure to be special for many British people and members of the commonwealth nations who support the royal family, but you don’t have to be a royalist to get involved with the Coronation. Just like the fun of the Jubilee last summer opportunity for a party and a chance to socialise and mix with different people.
Essentially, it’s all about getting together with community members, neighbours, friends and families around the villages, towns and cities of the nation over the bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re planning a street party, picnic, barbecue or other gathering for the big day, find Coronation decorations, tableware and party supplies to make your royal celebration a success.
Here’s how…
How to organise a party for The King's Coronation
The first step to planning your Coronation celebration is finding somewhere to host your event. Community venues and outdoor spaces are a great choice of location for any Coronation party. Check what is happening in your local area for the Coronation bank holiday weekend as your local town, village or city council or organisers may have something in store for the big weekend. These sorts of events take a lot to put together so if you'd like to get involved in the Coronation weekend, you can volunteer to help with the set up or get the details of when and where the Coronation celebration will be held so that you, your friends and family can attend.
If there are no plans in your neighbourhood for the Coronation but you are interested in planning an event, there are loads of handy resources available. Check out this Guide to organising a street party on the gov.uk website which has lots of helpful advice, including how to close your road for a Coronation street party. There is also the official website for The Big Lunch, organised by the Eden Project, where you can pre-order a pack of information, ideas and starter tips for organising a Coronation Big Lunch in your community.
Alternatively, you can celebrate the Coronation at home or in your own venue. Gardens, pubs and clubs make great settings for Coronation events! Host a Coronation afternoon tea indoors, or to make the best of the British summertime, why not set up a marquee for a barbecue and lay out picnic blankets for a garden party on the grass outside.
How to decorate for the Coronation?
Once you've decided on your venue for your Coronation party, it's time to set the scene! At Party Packs, we've got an abundance of British and royal themed decorations to dress up your venue for the Coronation. Let us take you through all the essentials along with our top tips for decorating...
Coronation bunting & flags
Union Jack flags and bunting are a must for any royal event or street party! Find bunting for the King's Coronation featuring the flag of Britain in a great variety of styles and materials here at Party Packs. When choosing your bunting and flags for the Coronation, the main thing to consider is how and where it will be used. Paper Union Jack and Coronation logo banners, posters and bunting make great decorations for indoor celebrations and outdoor events under shelters, such as marquees, awnings and large gazebos. Paper bunting is a great eco-friendly choice too.
Whilst we're all keeping everything crossed for sunshine over the Coronation of King Charles III bank holiday weekend, you may like to consider a more durable bunting material for venues that could be exposed to some rain. PVC bunting and fabric bunting are great choices for garden parties, picnics and other outdoor events for the King's Coronation. Choose from a range of styles and lengths, from triangular pennants to giant flags and alternating patterns. Our exclusive Coronation logo bunting features the official emblem of the King's Coronation with Union Jacks. You can also opt for a traditional gingham style for a vintage British feel or red, white and blue bunting for a patriotic effect.
Streamers, garlands and hanging decorations for The King's Coronation
Gold foil streamers and garlands contrast well against a red, white and blue backdrop and bring some royal sparkle and shine to your Coronation event! String this 'God Save The King' message banner along a table or wall in your venue for the Coronation. These golden letters spelling out the national anthem make a wonderful decoration for a street party or Coronation afternoon tea. In our Coronation Decorations collection, you'll find a matching gold garland with miniature silhouettes of King Charles III. Combine these regal streamers with tissue fans and hanging honeycomb shapes to add dimension to your Coronation party space.
King's Coronation Balloons
Balloons make a cost effective and budget friendly choice of decoration for the King's Coronation - once they're inflated it doesn't take much to create an impressive display! With a DIY balloon arch kit, you can make your very own balloon cloud just like the one in the picture below. These balloon clouds look spectacular and take only a few minutes to do.
Simply hang your balloon tape across a space in your venue or along a table outside if you're hosting a street party. Next inflate your balloons - red, white and blue to match the Union Jack flag. Add in some red or gold confetti balloons along with our exclusive commemorative Coronation of King Charles III latex balloons, featuring the date of the Coronation. Once you've tied up all your balloons, push the knots through the holes in the balloon tape. This eye-catching decoration is sure to attract attention to your event - a great way to set the scene for the Coronation festivities.
Complement your balloon cloud with Coronation foil balloons. Display the cypher of the new King (CIIIR) with gold letter shapes. In our Coronation Decorations collection, find a top range of Coronation foil balloons, from golden crowns to Union Jacks, which you can use to create a King's Coronation helium balloon bouquet or an air-fill display instead.
Decoration packs for King Charles' Coronation
If you're searching for a great selection of decorations for the King's Coronation, you've come to the right place! At Party Packs, one of our biggest tips for decorating for the Coronation is to opt for an exclusive decorating kit. With these fuss-free party supplies packs, you get more for your money and the hassle taking out of choosing your decorations one by one.
We've got packs for all size and scale of Coronation celebration and to fit all budgets. Each King Charles Coronation decorating pack contains a bundle of decorations - including King Charles photo banners, posters, bunting, table flags, balloons and much more. Explore the full collection here...
The King's Coronation Royal Family Cardboard Cutouts
With a surprise appearance from important members of the royal family over the bank holiday weekend, your Coronation celebration is sure to be a success! Whilst the real King and Queen Consort, and Prince and Princess of Wales themselves may be otherwise engaged with the ceremony and pageantry in London, that doesn't mean you can't invite along your own versions to attend your event...
These impressive lifesize cardboard cutouts of Charles, Camilla, William and Catherine are sure to bring a smile to people's faces at your street party or celebration for the Coronation. To have some fun at your party, why not set up a photo backdrop with these free-standing cardboard stand-ups, so that people can pose next to the King and Queen?
Personalised decorations for the Coronation of King Charles III
Promote and advertise your royal event with a personalised banner for the King's Coronation. A great way to welcome your neighbours and community to your Coronation celebrations, this banner with Union Jack and official emblem of the Coronation can be customised with your own special message. Add the name of your street, town, village or district to this Coronation banner along with any words or text of your choice.
The King's Coronation Party Tableware
Is there anything more quintessentially British than a cake display?! It seems British royal celebrations including Coronations and Jubilees are traditionally centred around food and drink! Whether you're serving up a street party meal, picnic, barbecue or other Coronation feast, get set up for The Big Coronation Lunch with tableware for the occasion, from Coronation cake stands to Union Jack plates, cups, napkins and cutlery.
Large platters with a selection of snacks and treats to choose from are great for events with large numbers whilst Union Jack burger boxes, chip cones and food boxes are ideal if you're serving from behind a food stall or counter. Disposable plates make tidying up after your event quick and simple. At Party Packs, we have a top range of paper tableware options available in Union Jack prints.
Cake Accessories for the King's Coronation
To make your Coronation celebration stand out from the rest, it's all in those little extra details! Accessories such as cake picks, Union Jack cupcake cases, flags and toppers bring a special unique touch to your Coronation cake display. Make all your baked treats for the King's Coronation look extra delicious with decorations and accessories for your party food. Why not deck out your Victoria sponge with an exclusive royal cypher of King Charles III Coronation cake topper?
Table Decorations for The King's Coronation
Dress up your table for the Coronation with paper and foil sprinkles, like this Union Jack and St. Edward's crown confetti. Table crystals are a nice choice for grown up parties but with events where there will be smaller children in attendance you may want to consider not including smaller parts such as these in your table decorations. Instead you can opt for tissue paper confetti such as round tissue pieces in red, white and blue.
Table flags look lovely placed along the length of the table in flag holders - choose flags with the Coronation logo or Union Jacks for a patriotic feel. Centrepieces add a great focal point to your Coronation table decor.
Coronation of King Charles III Novelties & Party Favours
Treat your guests with Coronation party favours to remember the celebrations by. Not only do Coronation keepsakes, novelties and miniature party supplies make wonderful decorations and accessories for your event, they are ideal for filling up party bags for your friends, family, neighbours and community members to take home after the Coronation events are over.
From Coronation party poppers and King Charles III chocolates to Coronation bubbles and temporary tattoos for your younger guests, there's a royal themed party favour for everyone in our Coronation Decorations collection.
King's Coronation Fancy Dress Ideas & Accessories
Themed fancy dress is a fun idea for the Coronation! Dress up in a Union Jack patterned costume such as a stand-out suit or a British flag patterned dress. If you're serving behind a food stall, cake stand or barbecue, why not don a British patriotic apron for the occasion? Alternatively, you could invite all your guests to wear red, white and blue. Street party costume accessories including hats and headbands make a great addition to your Coronation party supplies. Decorate your table with card crowns and tiaras for everyone to wear for the party.
In our Coronation Decorations collection, you'll even find colour-in-crowns to keep the kids entertained at the table. Street party accessories come in selection packs containing an assortment of different items - from waistcoats, novelty specs and bow ties to beads and lei necklaces. They'll be sure to bring the spirit of celebration to your Coronation event.
Games & Activities for The Coronation
Games and activities bring animation to your street party or Coronation event. They make great ice-breakers for neighbours and members of the community who may not know each other. Choose from a great range of Coronation Games at Party Packs, from Pin the Crown on the King to Coronation Bingo. Why not challenge your friends and family to a Coronation quiz? There's an activity for everyone to enjoy over the King's Coronation weekend.
What are your plans for the Coronation?
The bank holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III is sure to be a weekend filled with fun and festivity. Check out our full Coronation Decorations collection for everything you need. Did you enjoy this blog? Let us know what you're up to and how you plan to celebrate in the comments below. Share any street party planning tips and decorating ideas with others and lets spread the royal celebrations far and wide. See you on 6th May!
