Plymouth plans a weekend of celebrations to mark the King’s Coronation

21st April 2023

Plans for a celebratory weekend to mark the King’s Coronation on 6 and 7 May in Plymouth are well under way. Thanks to funding from the DCMS and UK Government a big screen will be installed on The Parade at the Barbican for all to enjoy.

On Saturday 6 May, Southside Street will be closed to traffic to make way for tables and chairs to mark the ‘Big Lunch’ element of the Coronation celebrations. Locals and visitors are encouraged to come together in a unique outdoor setting where they can bring a picnic or buy lunch from the wide variety of food outlets across the Barbican.

The party atmosphere will span beyond Southside Street, taking in Sutton Harbour, Quay Square and The Parade where the big screen will be located. A variety of charity stalls will be set up throughout the area to help people find out more about volunteering in the community. The Big Help Out is part of The King’s Coronation legacy and is aimed at getting people involved in making a change within their own communities. 

Amongst the stalls there will be plenty of street entertainment including, an aerial performance from Plymouth’s Italia Conti, stilt walkers teetering over the cobbles, a bubble blowing queen, GraceNotes Acapella, and the Blokes Who Sing community choirs. There will also be free opportunities for little ones to print their very own crown, have their face painted and listen to some Tiny Tales from the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s storytelling team.

Over on the main stage a wide variety of performances will take place before and after the live streaming of the Coronation ceremony. Amongst the performance line-up are, the Cooperative Big Band, Rhythm City, Natasha’s Bollywood Dance School, Kendall Williams and the Groovement Project.

Live stage entertainment will commence from mid-afternoon on Sunday 7 May, with performances from Celtic folk-punk band Black Friday, Jamie Yost, Rue, and singer-songwriters, The Buskateers. The performances will culminate in a live stream of the Coronation Concert from Windsor Castle which is due to start at 8pm. Expect performances from Take That, Lionel Richie, Freya Ridings and Katy Perry, alongside a 74 piece world-class classical orchestra and 300 strong Coronation Choir. 

HM Lord-Lieutenant David Fursdon said, ‘The King’s Coronation promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. The people of Plymouth are encouraged to come together to enjoy the celebrations at the Barbican’.

Acts are subject to change, please check our website for the most up to date information at visitplymouth.co.uk/coronation