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Where to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation in London
Find out what events are on in the capital to celebrate Charles III’s ascent to the throne and where to watch the King’s Procession.
This May, the world will see scenes on the streets of London not seen for two generations – the coronation of a new monarch. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May 2023.
Tens of thousands of Brits and visitors are expected to take to the streets of Westminster to watch The King’s Procession (see the map below). Starting at Buckingham Palace for the big event at Westminster Abbey at 11am, before the Royal Family will return to the Palace for the famous balcony appearance.
If you’re not inclined to stand for hours to watch the procession, there’s plenty of other ways to mark the King’s coronation with a host of events and celebrations on around London over the long weekend. On Sunday 7 May will be the ‘Big Lunch‘, where communities across the country will be holding events big and small to mark the occasion. Your local pub or bar will also be granted an extension to their licensed opening hours by two hours over the weekend so you can sink a pint (or four) later than usual! Meanwhile, Oxford Street has launched a special A-Z of Oxford Street Royalty – a map of special events and promotions on in the area to celebrate.
To celebrate our new king, Brits will be given a bonus Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May 2023, bringing the total Bank Holidays in May to a whopping three, so lots of four day working weeks for many of us that month – yay!
Where can I watch the King and Queen’s Coronation?
For those who want to watch the two processions – to and from Westminster Abbey – you’ll probably need to get to the procession route side-lines early, most likely the day before, for a good spot. The King and Queen Consort’s first journey from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey will be in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and will be relatively quick in time for the 11am ceremony commencement. Following the ceremony, the slower King’s Procession will start at 2pm to return to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be joined by working members of the Royal Family on the balcony to watch the RAF flypast, at approx 2.45pm.
If you can’t get a good viewing spot, there will be big screens erected in nearby Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and on Horse Guards Parade. There will also be pop-up food and drink stalls in Green Park and St James’s Park so people camping out are catered for. Meanwhile, the Coronation concert on Sunday 7 May will be broadcast live from Windsor on the big screens by the Serpentine in Hyde Park.
The King’s Procession will go down The Mall
Alternative Coronation celebrations around London
- 3 – 4 May 2023 : BIG Picnic @ Fleet Street Quarter
The Fleet Street Quarter is playing homage to the new King’s love of horticulture with a floral-theme outdoor picnic. Including ‘Picnic Promotions’ at select lunch vendors and floral art projects. Visitors can take home wildflower seeds to plant. 12pm-4pm. Free. Carter Lane, Bream’s Buildings and Gough Square, City of London, EC4V. Nearest stations: Blackfriars, St Paul’s and City Thameslink. For more information, visit the Fleet Street Quarter website.
- 4 May 2023 : King’s Coronation Garden Party
Kick-start the Coronation celebrations early with an evening of entertainment, outdoor games, bubbly drinks and more. 5.30pm-8.30pm. Free. Merchant Square, Paddington, W2 1JZ. Nearest station: Paddington or Edgware Road. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.
- 5 May 2023 : The Pearlies @ Leadenhall Market
From the King of Great Britain to the Pearly King and Queens of the East End. Meet a Pearly King and a Pearly Prince in the City’s historic Leadenhall Market, enjoy photo opportunities, free tea, coffee and cake; and watch traditional Pearly Cockney singalongs and music hall performances. 11am-4pm. Free. Leadenhall Market (access from Gracechurch Street, Lime Street and Whittington Avenue), City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website.
- 5 – 8 May 2023 : British Weekender Bottomless Pimm’s – Coronation Weekend @ Neverland
Celebrate with a day or evening of fabulous fun, food, live entertainment and cocktails at Fulham Beach. Rent a pergola or area with your friends. Open Fri 6pm-11.30pm, Sat-Mon 12pm-11.30pm. Tickets from £10/£16. Neverland London, 364 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For more information, visit the Neverland London website.
- 6 May 2023 : King’s Road Coronation Celebration @ King’s Road
A section of the King’s Road will be closed to road traffic, featuring an extended market, pop-up bar, picnic on the green outside the Saatchi Gallery, live music and entertainment and more. 11am-5.30pm. Free. King’s Road (between Sloane Square and Cheltenham Terrace), Chelsea, SW3. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the King’s Road website.
- 6 May 2023 : Wembley Park Coronation Celebration
A street party celebration comes to Wembley Park, featuring live music, kids’ entertainment and games, face-painting, street food, and a live screening of the action in Westminster. Open 10am-4pm. Free. Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
- 6 – 7 May 2023 : Mayfair’s Coronation Garden Party
Two days of events to celebrate the Coronation, including a live screening of the main event, food and drink stalls, live music, floral installations and more in a pop-up garden party. Times TBC. Free entry. Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K. Nearest stations: Bond Street and Green Park. For more information, visit the Mayfair London website. Read the rest of this entry
Gallery: Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park
Sep 13
This gallery contains 12 photos.
Photographs of the tributes left by the British people and visitors at Green Park.
Toast the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with royal inspired cocktails at St James Bar
A Jubilee Gimlet at the St James Bar
This year, the UK celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. And when it comes to celebrations, there are many of us that like to do so with a toast or two. Located just a stone’s throw from St James’s Palace is the St James Bar, which is marking 70 years of the monarch’s reign with a royal inspired cocktail menu.
The luxurious and intimate cocktail bar is located in the Sofitel London St James, with cosy banquettes and bar stools to perch on while you sip your way through the special menu from the team’s mixologists. In the run-up and immediate aftermath of the Jubilee celebrations, the St James Bar will offer a special menu of three drinks inspired by the Queen, ranging in price from £17-£18.
– Lilibet Fizz: Named after her family nickname, this fruity drink combines two of the Queen’s best-loved drinks, Bollinger Champagne and Pimm’s Cup No.1
– The Coronation: A seriously bling creation inspired by the coronation, features subtle notes of bergamot and wood and pays homage to Her Majesty’s favoured teas, Earl Grey and Assam.
– Jubilee Gimlet: A variation of the Queen’s favourite Martini and inspired by the classic Gimlet, this concoction features gin and Champagne with a mix of sweet florals and acidity.
- The Jubilee-inspired cocktails are on sale from 16 May – 12 June 2022. At St James Bar, Sofitel London St James, 6 Waterloo Place, St. James’s, SW1Y 4AN. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross. Bar opening times: Thu-Sat 5pm-12am, Mon and Sun 12pm-12am, Tues-Wed closed. For more information, visit the Sofitel St James website.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Wembley Park at the Jubilee Dance Party
One day festival will see five stages across the north-west London neighbourhood on 4 June 2022.
Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee at a dance party
© Chris Winter / Wembley Park
Grab your dancing shoes this summer as Wembley Park celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a dance party. The north-west London neighbourhood will be hosting five stages of live acts, DJs and dance leaders on Saturday 4 June 2022. Whether you want to see the professionals in action, or shake your tail feather instead, there’s something for everyone.
Along with dancing galore, there will be street food stalls, DJs, live music and family zones as Londoners come together to mark Queen Elizabeth II‘s 70 years on the throne. Across the stages across Olympic Way, there will be dance classes for all ages and abilities, showcasing different genres throughout the day.
One stage will feature live entertainment, including family shows and live bands. Families will have plenty to keep them occupied, including face painters, bubbleologists, circus acts, stilt walkers, street dancers and pavement artists. Aside from the entertainment, there will also be interactive areas, including photo booths, selfie stations and a giant photo wall of a digitally-generated portrait of Her Majesty, made of photos taken on the day.
- Jubilee Dance Party takes place on 4 June 2022, from 12pm-7pm. At Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. Free entry. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
Where to watch Meghan and Harry’s Royal Wedding in London
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on 19 May
The countdown is on to Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle on 19 May 2018. The big day itself may be taking place of in Windsor, but plenty of Londoners will be taking to pubs and street parties to celebrate. With the special event taking part on a Saturday, that means many of us will be free to join in the revelry. It’ll be an early start with the ceremony itself kicking off at 12pm. Here’s a list of just some of the celebrations in the capital, with all taking place on 19 May unless otherwise stipulated. Fingers crossed for some good weather!
- Royal Wedding Brunch Party @ Bluebird
King’s Road destination Bluebird will be hosting a brunch party in their sunny courtyard. Watch the wedding on the big screen surrounded by bunting, balloons and bubbly. Guests can enjoy a champagne toast to the happy couple before a BBQ-style brunch by Executive Chef Simon Gregory. A DJ will be on the decks until darkness, while mixologists have created a special wedding cocktail menu. Brunch: £25pp. Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU. Nearest stations: Fulham Broadway, South Kensington or Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Bluebird website.
- Royal Wedding 21st Century Tea Dance Party! @ Southbank Centre
The traditional tea dance is turned on its head in a special event hosted by Christopher Green and his alter ego Ida Barr. Expect a multimedia treat of live music, video, theatre, performance, storytelling, singing, dancing and the screening of the Royal Wedding. From 11am. Free. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- The Official Royal Wedding Party
Two set of festivities depending on if you’re a day or night owl in the stunning Grade II listed church. The day event will feature live streaming of the wedding, bouquet and corsage making, wedding cake decorating, Bloody Mary cocktail class, traditional British games, a hog roast and lots of champagne. There will be live big bands, first dance classes and a ‘Have I Got News For You’ style comedy panel. The evening event will feature dance classes, catch-the-bouquet, American food in honour of the bride, live tribute acts, a string quartet and wedding cake. Day event 11am-5pm, tickets £25. Night event 7pm-2am, tickets £30. One Marylebone, 1 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, NW1 4AQ. Nearest station: Great Portland Street or Regents Park. For tickets, visit the Official Royal Wedding Party website.
- The Royal Wedding @ National Maritime Museum
Watch the happy couple tie the knot on the big screen in the lawn in front of the National Maritime Museum. Royal fancy dress encouraged. 10am-3pm. Free entry. National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NF. Nearest station: Maze Hill, Cutty Sark or Greenwich. For more information, visit the RMG website.
Celebrate: There will be plenty of street parties to mark the Royal Wedding
- Royal Brunch Party @ Aster
Celebrate Harry and Meghan tying the knot just a short distance from Buckingham Palace at Victoria dining destination Aster. Watch the ceremony on the big screen while feasting on a traditional brunch menu inspired by the couple and bottomless Prosecco. Also in the week running up to the royal wedding (14-19 May), Aster will be serving a special Royal Cocktail collection inspired by the pair, including The Jolly Ginger, the Botswana Sunrise, The Lost Bachelor and the Markle Sparkle. 12pm-4pm. Aster, 150 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 5LB. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Aster website. Read the rest of this entry
Celebrate the Queen’s 90th with an alfresco feast at Her Majesty’s Brunch
Enjoy brunch alfresco at Her Majesty’s Brunch at Spa Fields in Clerkenwell this weekend
With the Queen Elizabeth’s official 90th birthday coming up this weekend, what better way to celebrate than with the best of British?
A stylish and fun outdoor brunch will be taking place on Saturday at the idyllic Spa Fields in Clerkenwell. Hosted by London party experts Bourne & Hollingsworth, you can expect plenty of the great food, entertainment and cocktails they are famous for. Essentially a mini festival to mark Her Majesty’s big day, guests will be able to drink and eat aplenty, while being entertained by live music and performances.
The menu has been designed by executive chef Adam Grey, from the nearby Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, featuring tasty, locally sourced produce. There will be several sittings during the day so you can relax in the sunshine and feast on some of your favourite brunch offerings.
Meanwhile, the B&H mixologists will be at the open-air bar, creating morning cocktails to ease you into the day, such as Bloody Marys and Bellinis. After your meal, you’ll be able to burn off some calories taking part in the traditional British games.
- Her Majesty’s Brunch takes place on Saturday 11 June 2016. At Spa Fields Park, Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 1AA. Nearest station: Farringdon or Angel. From 10am-8pm, with brunch sittings taking place from 12:30pm. £35 for entry and brunch. For booking, visit the Bourne & Hollingsworth website.
For a review of brunch at the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, click here.
Stunning December sunset over Buckingham Palace
See the light: Sunset over Buckingham Palace on December 7, 2012
Yes, December means Christmas, so it’s a very exciting month. But Christmas aside, for me as a ‘hater’ of winter and the cold, I’m kinda ready to press fast-forward onto March because I hate-the-cold (have I mentioned that already?). However, yesterday I looked up and was blown away by the stunning sky. I just don’t think you get this kind of light in Summer, it’s so seasonal. I happened to be near Buckingham Palace at the time and got this stunning shot from The Mall before the sun went down.
Gallery: Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park
Photographs of the tributes left by the British people and visitors at Green Park.
Keep readingRain never stopped play | Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant Flotilla
Photographs of the action from Blackfriars Bridge in June 2012.
Keep reading
Jewel Tower | A Medieval survivor of the Palace Of Westminster
This 14th century tower is one of the only remains of the former Palace of Westminster.
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Rain never stopped play | Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant Flotilla
My experience of watching the Queen’s Flotilla on a wet day in June 2012.
Grab any spot you can! People clambering for a view from outside Unilever House
Ahead of the Queen Elizabeth II‘s Jubilee Weekend, I wrote a last-minute blog with ideas of where to celebrate it. But when it came for me to make a decision, I was torn for choice. As I was flying out to Italy on the Bank Holiday Monday morning for a last-minute holiday, I decided to hit the Thames to watch the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant.
As a South Londoner and having spent a lot of my childhood playing on the South Bank, I was drawn to trying to find a spot to watch the flotilla from that side of the river. We arrived at London Bridge station armed with umbrellas, camera, Union Jacks and some cans of Pimm’s Cups. The forecast was dim, but, like all Londoners, we are used to rain and pressed ahead with our plans to watch it al fresco.
Rather ignorantly, we were hoping the rain may have put off some people and arrived about 90 minutes ahead of the flotilla starting. As we walked past viewpoint after viewpoint – which were closed off by police due to crowd control – it soon started to look hopeless that we were going to see the flotilla at all. We got as far as Southwark Bridge (not very far at all, but took ages due to the sheer volume of people) and after being told that most bridges were being closed off (although my official flotilla map said otherwise…), I had the brainwave to walk to Borough tube and get the Underground ‘over’ the river since going by foot looked increasingly difficult.
After riding to Bank, we then headed down to Mansion House and kept looking for viewing areas along Lower Thames Street Embankment – still to no avail. Some people had stood on flights of stairs to get literally a 10ft by 10ft view through a small gap in the buildings. I was determined I wouldn’t be that desperate to put up with a view that poor.
Hundreds stand on Blackfriars Bridge to watch the flotilla onscreen
Finally we reached Blackfriars Bridge about 90 minutes after setting off from London Bridge. Our timing was perfect because there just happened to be a few ‘viewing spots’ left on one of the flower beds on a traffic island in front of Unilever House. Now I’m not a vandle and like to respect my city, but needs must, so myself and my group climbed onto the bed – making sure we didn’t crush the plants in the process before anyone accuses me of vandalising them! Finally we could see the Thames – albeit over a sea of heads and flags – but we had a decent wide view on the river bend and Waterloo Bridge. There was also a large TV screen erected on the actual bridge so we could see the action on the Queen’s Barge too.
Closed roads meant everyone was free to walk wherever
Kids get into the spirit for their first Jubilee
A Diamond (Jubilee) Geezer
It might have been raining and it was a lot of standing around waiting, but the atmosphere was amazing. It was London in all its glory – looking around I could see a true representation of London (and the other Brits visiting from out of town). There were people from different classes, races and religion all coming together to celebrate the country and our Queen. I was feeling very patriotic and wore my Union Jack flag as a cape, a style choice many had made that day. One man had gone to extra patriotic lengths and painted the Union Jack on his face – a true ‘Diamond (Jubilee) Geezer’.
Finally when the Spirit Of Chartwell reached the bridge, there was a massive audio Mexican wave of cheers and whoops. The Queen’s barge was sailing particularly close to the north bank of the river, so I ended up climbing onto a pedestrian crossing light and balancing on the button box to get a better view! The barge’s passing under Blackfriars happened to coincide with the heaviest rain since we’d been outside, but the atmosphere was so jubilant, I was past caring.
The lady of the hour
The flotilla finally reaches Blackfriars – canoes first
After finally seeing the Queen – albeit from a distance – and experiencing the Jubilee atmosphere, we were ready to hit home to watch the highlights from the comfort of the sofa – with a detour to a hot drinks establishment first.
Later reports estimated 1.2million had been by the river to watch the flotilla, which I could easily believe. Walking on some of the City Of London’s busiest roads, where there is usually vehicles, was a surreal experience. As dismal as the weather was, the sea of people wearing red, white and blue raised your spirits.
Spirit of Chartwell approaches Blackfriars Bridge
Spot the royals – Kate and Wills standing at the front
With the Queen being 86, its unlikely we will see her Platinum (70th) Jubilee, so I felt it was important to be a part of it and was proud to see London on the world stage – for the first of two times this year with the Olympics coming up. I was at the Thames for her Golden Jubilee, but don’t remember it being as big a spectacle as the Diamond. I’ve always associated myself more as a Londoner than a Brit or Englishwoman, but felt very proud to be British on that day.
Someone’s not feeling the Jubilee spirit… although his owner apparently is with their champers!
The rain was really bad at this point as the end of the flotilla headed down towards Tower Bridge
Gallery: Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park
Photographs of the tributes left by the British people and visitors at Green Park.
One is wondering what to do | Last-minute guide to Diamond Jubilee Weekend
Buckingham Palace will be heavily featured in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
So yes… the weather isn’t going to be as good as we hoped this Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend. But London is a city of all weathers and we’ll be on the world’s stage again this weekend when we celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
Even if you’re not much of a royalist, the opportunity for the country to come together and party in the streets doesn’t happen very often (lets face it, we’re not likely to win the Euro or World Cup anytime soon… #spokenlikeatruepessimist)…
As we’re back in a recession… again… what better way to forget Europe’s economic doom and groom and celebrate what’s good about Britain – and goodness knows, spending a few quid on some bunting or a bottle of Pimms will help the economy.
I’ve never had a strong opinion for or against the Royal Family, but I appreciate their value to our tourism industry. I remember how their image plummeted following the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and now 15 years later, they seem to be riding a new wave of popularity, helped in spades by Prince William and his glossy-haired bride Catherine.
So with the weekend officially starting already, here’s some ideas of what’s going on in town if you’re still stuck about what to do (and that haven’t sold out)
- Thames Jubilee Pageant – Sunday 3rd June
Over 1,000 boats will sail down the Thames, starting from Battersea Bridge around 2pm and ending at Tower Bridge at 6pm. The Queen herself be on the royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, embarking near Albert Bridge.
The flotilla will cover seven miles of river, with large viewing screens dispersed along the river banks so everyone can see. Police are recommending spectators arrive no later than 2pm. For more information and maps to print off visit the official Thames Jubilee Pageant website.
Head to the Thames to watch the Flotilla
- Jubilee Family Festival – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June
For those with young children, somewhere not involving packed crowds standing in close proximity fighting for a glimpse of the royals is probably a good idea. Sainsbury’s has organised a two-day festival in Hyde Park, including live music and entertainment from Britain and across the Commonwealth. Celebrities including Myleene Klass, Jon Culshaw, Kara Tointon and Strictly dancers will be taking part. Although many tickets have already been sold, there will be limited tickets on the gate, which opens at 10:30am and closes at 7pm. Visit the Jubilee Family Festival website for more information.
- Bellenden Big Lunch (Peckham) – Sunday 3rd June
Free street party on Bellenden Street in Peckham where the road’s boutiques, art galleries, shops, cafes and pubs will be opening their doors with lots of events. The road is closed off to cars with tables in the middle for eating and drinking. Visit the Facebook page for more information.
- Piccadilly Big Jubilee Lunch – Sunday 3rd June
Piccadilly will be closed off to vehicle traffic for the first time its history with some of the road’s most famous establishments hosting various events. BAFTA will be giving people the chance to walk the red carpet, The Cavendish London will be making a hog roast, The Ritz’s resident band will be playing, and loads more food and entertainment. Visit the Big Jubilee Lunch website for more information.
- Street Party @ Water Poet (Spitalfields) – Monday 4th June
There’s nothing like an East End knees-up. The Water Poet near Liverpool Street is hosting a street party with food, drinks and dancing. In the evening there will be a live screening of the Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. Visit the Water Poet’s website for more information.
- Queen’s Jubilee Carriage Procession – Tuesday 5th June
At around 2:20pm, the Queen and the royal family will ride in a formal carriage procession from the Palace Of Westminster to Buckingham Palace following a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and lunch earlier. They will travel along Whitehall and The Mall, before gathering on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at around 3:30pm. The Royal Family’s appearance on the balcony will culminate with a RAF flypast and a gun salute.
- Jubilee Garden Party @ Dulwich Picture Gallery – Tuesday 5th June
A party in the grounds of the 19th century gallery with canapes and sparkling wine. There will be short tours by the curator and a performance of Fifties songs by soprano Alexandra Carter. Tickets £18. Visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery’s website for more information.
- World Street Food Festival – Sat 2nd – Tues 5th June
It may be the Queen’s weekend, but one of the best things about London is our multi-cultural residents and cuisines from around the world. Market stalls with different world cuisines will be set up in Southbank Centre Square on London’s Southbank. Visit the World Street Food Festival’s website.
Whatever you do, enjoy the weekend and don’t forget to check the TFL website. There’s going to be some road and tube station closure so be prepared. Happy Jubilee Weekend!
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 