The borough council is planning or supporting events to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King & Her Majesty The Queen Consort over the extra May Bank Holiday weekend.
The Green in Hunstanton and King’s Staithe Square in King’s Lynn will have big screens for people to watch the build-up and Coronation ceremony on Saturday 6 May.
Music and entertainment will follow the broadcast of the ceremony in both towns.
In Downham Market the town council is organising events in the centre of town, from noon ‘til 4pm on Sunday, 7 May. With music and picnic seating, the event will feature food stalls, fairground rides, an escape room, interactive photo booth, face-painting, and craft activities.
This free event has been jointly funded by Downham Market Town Council and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk along with local sponsorship.
In addition to the events in the three towns, a small Coronation grant has been given to 60 parish councils and community groups. £11,782 has been awarded to successful applicants, most are receiving £200, to support them in marking the Coronation.
Cllr Lesley Bambridge, Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, who will be opening the family friendly entertainment on The Green in Hunstanton and also counting down to the fireworks in King’s Lynn on 6 May, said: “I’m looking forward to a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. Residents can watch the historic moment together on the big screens that we’re putting up in Hunstanton and King’s Lynn. Afterwards the celebrations can begin.
“We’re hoping for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend with lots for people to enjoy across west Norfolk.”
Schedule of events
Saturday 6 May 2023
Hunstanton – The Green
10am: Screening of the build-up and Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty The King & Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
Just after midday, until 4:30pm: Family-friendly entertainment including two afternoon sets from The Chebbs, also a Pirate Magic show and Big Summer Blowout covering some popular classic children’s songs. All compered by Dave King from Radio West Norfolk.
King’s Lynn – King’s Staithe Square
10am: Screening of the build-up and Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty The King & Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
Just after midday, until 10pm: Live music from local band DNA, East Angles Brass, Vex and headliners The Chebbs. Intermingled with entertainment from Mark Purdy and culminating in a firework finale. Compered by Simon Rowe from Radio West Norfolk.
Noon until 5pm: Activities for children organised by Rachael Williams, Learning and Engagement Officer at Stories of Lynn. Also remembering that Royal Navy Minesweepers visited King’s Lynn as part of the 1953 Coronation Celebrations there will be a minesweeping game to play alongside crafts including crown making.
Sunday 7 May 2023
Downham Market – Centre of town and inside the Town Hall
Noon until 4pm: Music and picnic seating, food stalls, fairground rides, an escape room, interactive photo booth, facepainting, and craft activities.
This free event has been jointly funded by Downham Market Town Council and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk along with local sponsorship.
King’s Lynn – King’s Staithe Square
11am until 5pm: Lazy Sunday morning music from Mark Purdy, followed by live sets from Miss Jones Trio and Holman Hilts Delaney. Compered by Ryan Taylor from Radio West Norfolk.