57 coronation community events and Big Lunch at Tonbridge Castle
Tonbridge and Malling is gearing up for a coronation weekend to remember with more street parties than anywhere else in Kent.
The borough has 57 road closures in place to accommodate community events to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with Tunbridge Wells hosting the next highest number at 48. Tonbridge and Malling also topped the street party table for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with more than 80 events.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is also throwing a party, ‘The Coronation Big Lunch’, at Tonbridge Castle on Sunday 7 May. Hosted on the castle lawn from 12 noon until 5pm, everyone is invited to wear red, white and blue, bring a picnic or enjoy the variety of food and drink that will be on sale.
The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Sue Bell, will join picnickers who will be entertained by the West Kent Big Band, 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band and the Loose Women Morris.
Celebrations will continue into the town with nearby River Walk setting the scene for art and craft stalls while union jack decorations will line the High Street which will also feature special coronation-themed hanging baskets. Retailers will be adding to the colour of the occasion with royal-themed window displays as part of a competition run by the council and the Tonbridge Town Team.
The council’s Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services, Robert Styles, said: ‘Excitement is building this week as we make our preparations and we’re delighted that so many communities have come forward to organise street parties. These events alongside the Coronation Big Lunch at the castle are a great opportunity for people to come together in celebration and share in this historic occasion.’
For further details of the national events planned for the King’s Coronation over the weekend of 6 – 8 May visit: coronation.gov.uk