York communities encouraged to celebrate Coronation

York residents are being encouraged to get planning their community celebrations to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on 6 May.

The Coronation will see people across the UK and the Commonwealth come together to celebrate. The Coronation programme will include the procession and service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, the ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ across the country on 7 May (with a concert taking place in Windsor in the evening), and ‘The Big Help Out’ community activity on the bank holiday, Monday 8 May.

To help residents, businesses and local communities celebrate this historic event, the council is making it easier by providing a digital hub for all the guidance and information residents need for community street parties being held. The council is also waiving some of the cost for community street parties being held on the day. Information will be added to the page – www.york.gov.uk/Coronation - as more details are confirmed over the coming months.

As with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, communities are being encouraged to hold their own street parties. National information is available online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party. Information on ‘Street Meets’, which offer an even easier way to bring neighbours together, is available at www.streetparty.org.uk

Groups wanting to plan a road closure for their community street party can find links to the form they need at www.york.gov.uk/Coronation. For the Coronation, fees will only apply for commercial events.

For a small deposit, groups can borrow ‘road closed’ signs from the council. Event licences will only be required for events which include the sale of alcohol.

The Coronation Big Lunch, on 7 May, will encourage communities to come together, celebrate their connections and get to know each other better. It will bring the Coronation festivities into the heart of every community. Further information is available at www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

The Big Help Out, on 8 May, will provide an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of His Majesty’s service and showcase the impact of volunteering within communities. People across the UK will be able to get involved. See https://thebighelpout.org.uk for further information.

Funding is available of up to £10,000 for events and activities through the National Lottery Awards for All programme. Applications for the Coronation weekend should be made before the middle of February. Details are available at www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/under10k

Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Aspden, said: 

“We know many of our residents will want to celebrate this historic event. The Bank Holiday weekend provides a fantastic opportunity for families, friends and communities to come together. Given York’s long and proud association with the Crown, we want to make it easy for residents, businesses and communities to organise a street party and celebrate His Majesty’s Coronation. It's a momentous occasion and we anticipate a wide range of activities happening across the city to celebrate.”