Derby set to celebrate King’s Coronation in style

Derby is preparing to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in style with a bank holiday weekend packed full of special events.

On Saturday, the country and commonwealth will mark the historic day as His Majesty and the Queen Consort are crowned in a solemn religious ceremony that has remained largely unchanged for almost a thousand years.

Throughout the weekend, street parties and other events aimed at bringing communities together will take place.

Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, said: “The Coronation weekend will be such a thrilling tribute to His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Consort.

“I, along with others are greatly looking forward to the weekend and seeing all the wonderful celebrations that will be taking place across Derby.”

In Derby, following the day of the Coronation, on Sunday communities will celebrate the Coronation by organising Coronation Big Lunches, which will take place on streets or in parks and other open spaces.

Monday will be the Big Help Out Day, a day dedicated to good causes that will bring people together to work on projects, which benefit the whole community.

Among those who will be heavily involved is Derby Cathedral, which will be holding four days of celebration to mark the Coronation.

Its events include a big-screen presentation of the Coronation itself, and an opportunity for children to have a go at playing the mighty cathedral organ.

On Friday, the cathedral bell ringers will take part in Ring for the King, a nationwide event honouring the Coronation.

From 5.30pm, the cathedral bells will ring for around three hours and fifteen minutes in what is known as a ‘peal attempt’.

On Saturday, the cathedral will host Derby’s big-screen public showing of the Coronation, in partnership with Derby City Council.

The doors open to the public from 9am and everyone is invited to come along with friends and family to watch the historic event on the specially installed screen.

Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, together with Coronation-themed activities to help keep the children entertained.

Sunday will see local communities come together to take part in The Big Lunch – and the public are invited to bring a picnic lunch to the cathedral, with activities for children between 12:30pm and 2.30pm.

Also on Sunday will be a special Commemorative Service at 5.15pm with the Dean of Derby, the Lord Bishop of Derby and HM Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, who will invite everyone to come together to reflect and celebrate.

Finally, on Monday, the cathedral is taking part in The Big Help Out, with a day of activities and taster sessions with its volunteers.

There will also be an opportunity for children to have a go at playing the  cathedral organ, culminating in a royal-themed concert! The Big Help Out will take place in the cathedral from 10am to 4pm.

The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: “These events have been arranged specially for the people of Derby and Derbyshire and I extend the invitation to everyone to come and celebrate this special occasion.

“I am delighted that Derby Cathedral will be a focus of the Coronation for those in the city and beyond.”

To find out more about the cathedral’s Coronation events visit https://derbycathedral.org/events/events/the-coronation-of-king-charles-iii/ .