While the Royal Family may be going through a turbulent time, events in Swanage to celebrate the King’s Coronation are being drawn up without any drama, including a black tie Mayor’s Coronation Ball.
The outstanding success of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Swanage, which resulted in positive front page newspaper headlines and BBC TV news coverage, has spurred the organising team to come up with new ideas for the coronation on Saturday 6th May 2023.
At the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Swanage there was a huge community tea party but this time the plan is to have a party in every street or area
Community centred and exciting
The plan is not to replicate what happened in June 2022 to celebrate 70 years of the Queen being on the throne but to come up with something different but equally community centred and exciting.
Heading up the King’s Coronation committee is Linda Welsh who was central to the organisation of the jubilee events last year. She said:
“Rather than have a huge tea party in the centre of town like at the jubilee, the idea is for every street or area in Swanage to hold its own party.
“They’ll be help with suggestions and support to organise street closures but it will be up to those who take up the challenge on how to do it and what day over the Bank Holiday weekend they wish to hold it.”
Linda Welsh (right) with fellow jubilee event organiser Mandy McDonald (left) back in June 2022
Entertainment at the bandstand and a flotilla of boats
The King will be crowned in Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023 with celebrations continuing into the Sunday and the following Monday, which has been declared an official Bank Holiday which means that children will get an extra day off school.
Linda continued:
“On Sunday 7th May, we are planning to organise an afternoon event at Swanage Bandstand with music, singing and hopefully a theatrical performance.
“There’s also an idea over the weekend to have a flotilla of boats sail around Swanage Bay. And of course we’ll be getting a team together to drape our town in red, white and blue!”
The ball will be another excuse to dress up!
Black tie ball with music from the Bournemouth Ratpack
However the one idea that has got everyone excited is the idea of a black tie ball. Linda added:
“The curtain raiser to all the plans is the Mayor’s Coronation Ball. It’s been years since the town held a Mayor’s Ball and our current mayor Tina Foster has been keen to bring back the tradition and the coronation is the perfect excuse!”
A number of venues were explored but in the end the most suitable venue which was able to accommodate all that the team wanted to achieve was the clubhouse at Swanage Bay View in Panorama Road.
It will be a black tie event with swing, jive and soul music from the Ratpack band based in Bournemouth. At the event, already booked for Friday 28th April 2023, they’ll be dancing, a buffet and of course a bar.
It’s hoped that all the flags and bunting will be out again in Swanage for the King’s Coronation
Diary dates 2023
- Friday 28th April – Black tie Mayor’s Coronation Ball at Swanage Bay View
- Saturday 6th May – The King’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey. Timings have not yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace. At 9 am the regular Durlston Country Park parkrun will be crowned the Coronation parkrun and those taking part will be encouraged to dress the part
- Sunday 7th May – Afternoon entertainment fit for the King at the Swanage Bandstand
- Over the BH weekend – times not fixed – street parties across the town, plus a flotilla of boats sailing round Swanage Bay (timings will be weather and tide dependant)
The crowning glory of the jubilee celebrations last year at Swanage Railway
“Momentous occasion”
The Swanage Town Mayor’s charity for 2023 is Heroes Haven which provides holiday accommodation in Swanage for injured military personnel, so all proceeds from mayoral events including the ball will go to the charity. Linda said:
“As a founder trustee of Heroes Haven I’m especially looking forward to the ball and we really appreciate the mayor Tina Foster’s support.
“It’s been 70 years since the last coronation and although it won’t be another 70 before the next coronation, it will be a momentous occasion – so it’s good that we can all be part of this historical event in Swanage!”
Flying the flag in Swanage
Further information
- People are being asked to let the central organising committee know if they are intending to hold a street party, so road closures can be coordinated. Contact Linda Welsh via email linda.welsh152@gmail.com
- More about coronation events will be on the Swanage Celebrates the King’s Coronation Facebook Page
