In an unprecedented show of unity, the Borough of Royal Tunbridge Wells has come together to produce a weekend of festivities to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, from May 6-8.
Promising “a weekend of fun and celebration”, RTW Together BID, Visit Tunbridge Wells, The Pantiles, The Amelia Scott, Royal Victoria Place, King Charles the Martyr church and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) will be putting together a range of gatherings and activities that will not only offer a boost to the businesses of the town, but bring residents together to foster community spirit.
On Saturday May 6, his Majesty the King will be crowned in a ceremony at 11am, and as one of only four towns in the United Kingdom to have been granted the ‘Royal’ prefix, it seems only fitting that Tunbridge Wells is going all out to honour its rich heritage.
TW Together BID, on behalf of the levy-paying businesses of Tunbridge Wells, have collaborated with Visit Tunbridge Wells and the tourist attractions within the town centre to launch ‘A Right Royal Weekend’ for the King’s Coronation. On the Saturday, there will be almost 30 free activities on offer in which the public can take part. These include live shows; street performances; royal character meet-and -greets; selfie backdrops; art and crafts; a range of children’s activities, and two large screens on which to watch the Coronation. In addition, a series of special events are being hosted across the weekend on The Pantiles, at the Assembly Hall Theatre and The Amelia Scott.
Alex Green, CEO of the BID said: “We have installed more than 50 flags, 140 Coronation plaques and over 3km of bunting across the town centre.
“In addition, we have created a full programme of free, family-friendly activities for residents and tourists to enjoy throughout the day, centred around watching the Coronation on screens in Calverley Park, The Pantiles and at King Charles the Martyr Church Hall.
“It’s been great to work together for the town in partnership, to ensure there really is something for everyone.”
“We are so excited to see the town bursting with life and activity as we celebrate this auspicious day together. We hope that people will share their experiences from the day @officialvisittunbridgewells.”
Activities in the town centre will stretch from Market Square on Camden Road through the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and Calverley Road, to The Amelia Scott, down Civic Way, to Calverley Grounds, along the High Street and Castle Street, through Chapel Place, and all the way to The Pantiles.
A full breakdown of locations and times of the events is available on the Coronation Map (printed on pages 20-21).
In and about town
At Royal Victoria Shopping Centre you can enjoy a royal show, a royal selfie station and themed face painting. Just outside the centre, Tunbridge Wells’ very own royalty will be brought to you by Once Upon a Wish Events, as well as a King Charles speed painting challenge. Look out for the spectacle of ‘Best of British Stilts’, dressed for the occasion in red, white and blue.
The Amelia team have organised a fun-filled day of drop-in family activities – dress like royalty and make your own crown to wear.
Get creative with paint-your-own Coronation souvenirs, create your own personalised clay stamp to commemorate the day, or follow the Coronation trail and discover lost royal objects from The Amelia’s collection.
Big-screen viewing
The coronation procession and ceremony will be shown on large screens at Calverley Grounds, where traditional garden games, such as giant Jenga, will be taking place. The public will even have a chance to try their hand at some circus workshop skills.
The ceremony will also be broadcast from The Pantiles bandstand and in the Church Hall of King Charles the Martyr, where craft activities will also take place.
Further celebrations will take place up and down Mount Pleasant, the High Street and Chapel Place. Spot costumed characters, enjoy selfie station stops and musical entertainment around town.
The official ceremony will take place at 11am, and at 1:30pm, the Coronation of King Charles III will be announced by a special declaration from the Town Crier and Deputy Mayor.
This will be followed by the singing of God Save the King.
In celebration, Local & Live will be playing music from The Amelia courtyard and in the Upper Atrium, while Fine Grind will be offering a special afternoon tea deal where you can indulge in a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the beautiful courtyard.
Visit the bustling Pantiles market and stroll through the local food and artisan stands. The Coronation ceremony will be displayed on the bandstand, along with a set of children’s activities and a Royal selfie station. Don’t miss this exclusive display of the King’s Bronze in the Beumee Gallery. For details and tickets visit: beumee.com
The map of Coronation happenings can be cut out of the ToTW this week, collected from local shops and visitor attractions or downloaded from: visittunbridgewells.com/seasonal/coronation-weekend/
Enjoy jazz, swing and tea
On Monday May 8, from 3pm-5pm, the Assembly Hall Theatre is being turned back into a dance hall for a special Coronation Tea Dance.
Be transported back in time to hear music ranging from the roaring 20s to the Wartime 40s and the swinging 60s.
Get your toes tapping to the sounds of timeless classics.
So put on your dancing shoes, or simply take a seat and enjoy the show with scones and tea, or maybe a bit of bubbly.
Featuring The Postmodern Jazz Cats, the trio will transport you across the eras. Dressing up is encouraged but not required.
There will also be opportunities to participate in a quick lesson with Lindy Hop dancers.
To book, visit: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
