Coronation set to bring communities together across the royal borough

As the site of the coronation of the country’s first kings, communities are proud of Kingston’s unique place in royal history. Up to seven Saxon kings are believed to have been crowned in the town, at the recently refurbished Coronation Stone which sits in the grounds of the historic Guildhall. 

The borough’s Coronation celebrations will draw on this special association. The Coronation parade on Sunday 7 May will start in the Ancient Market Place in Kingston town centre at 2.45pm to lead people on a historic journey through the ages - from the Coronation of King Athelstan in 925 to the present day.

The event has been organised by Kingston Council, All Saints Church, Kingston Music Service and the Rose Theatre. It will begin with a fanfare from the town crier and will include a community junk percussion band. Later, at 4pm a Thanksgiving Service will be held at All Saint Church.

There will be a series of community and neighbourhood events and parties across the borough. Almost 100 street parties are planned, along with some larger events in our town centres, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the borough.

The New Malden Town Centre Partnership will be holding an event Jubilee Square, Cocks Crescent on 8 May, bringing together local community groups to celebrate our different cultures. 

Our libraries, museums and heritage service will also be joining in on the celebrations. Activities include coronation-themed afternoon tea at our libraries, a coronation exhibition at Kingston’s History Centre and tour guides around our royal borough. Families and children can get involved in the fun at a ‘Create a Crown’ workshop or a stamp and coins craft session. 

Leader of Kingston Council Andreas Kirsh said: 

As we get ready to mark the coronation of King Charles III, I wish him well and look forward to coming together with the rest of the country to play our part in this special occasion as the country’s oldest royal borough. 

Thank you to all our community, voluntary and cultural groups for their contributions to our borough-wide celebrations, aswell as to all of you who will be joining the festivities in your streets and neighbourhoods.

If you are celebrating with a street party, please share your photos with us or tag us on social media so we can see how our communities have come together to celebrate this special occasion. 

You can find details of all the events, volunteering opportunities and initiatives taking place over the Coronation weekend at kingston.gov.uk/celebrating-kings-coronation.