Despite the rain and mist over a wet bank holiday weekend, there was one day of sunshine which allowed lots of people across Purbeck in Dorset to get out their picnic rug and dress up in red, white and blue to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.
Nationally, the three days of celebrations took place from Saturday 6th to Monday 8th May 2023, with King Charles’s Coronation on the Saturday followed by the Big Lunch on the Sunday and the Big Help Out on the Monday.
An excuse to dress up – even for Willow amd Amber!
‘Reigning’ down most of the time but one day of sunshine!
In Purbeck, a number of places showed the coronation on big screens, including Old Harry Bar in Studland and Corfe Castle’s primary school hall.
This was the wettest day, both locally and in London, so it was a good day to stay inside and watch TV. Although Durlston’s parkrun in Swanage went ahead despite the rain, with runners in suitably patriotic attire.
On Sunday, the sun shone which was fortunate for all the al fresco parties planned as part of the Big Lunch.
However by Monday it was ‘reigning’ down again and the Big Help Out in Swanage, where lots of voluntary organisations were planning to showcase what they do, had to be postponed.
Despite only making a flying vist to the UK, Prince Harry manages to put in an appearance at The Town House in Corfe Castle!
Swanage
The regular Saturday morning parkrun at Durlston Castle kicked off the coronation weekend and there were a number of private street and garden parties across the town on the Sunday.
Studland
Old Harry Bar opened early to watch the coronation on the big screen, followed on Sunday by a barn dance in the village hall with music provided by Maiden Oak.
Church Knowle
A traditional village affair on the Sunday with straw bales, a marquee and plenty of booze!
Corfe Castle
Making the most of the village’s most notable landmark, National Trust’s Corfe Castle grounds played host on Sunday to what must have been one of the UK’s most picturesque Big Lunches – if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
Wareham
While Wareham may no longer have a castle, it does have a bypass (unlike Corfe Castle!), so was able to close the main road through the town on Sunday for a traditional street party along the length of North Street.
