Close

The latest stories, straight to your inbox

The latest stories, straight to your inbox
Close

Be inspired every day with Living North

Subscribe today and get every issue delivered direct to your door
Subscribe Now
Be inspired every day with Living North
collage of images
What's on
May 2023
Reading time 3 Minutes

This Saturday King Charles III will be crowned at Westminster Abbey in a truly historic event

From street parties and delicious afternoon tea, to wreath making and special royal exhibitions, as well as the best quiche recipe to try, here's what to do to make this a bank holiday to remember.
York Minster

Up in lights…

See Durham Cathedral lit up in red, white and blue from Friday 5th May to the evening of Tuesday 9th May, when the King’s coronation will be marked by a special evensong at 5.30pm. This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) the Cloister Garth will be decked out in bunting and open for you to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass. 

Mark the occasion at the Minster...

With centuries-old connections with the monarchy, where better to celebrate the Coronation than York Minster? Their new exhibition Majesty: Monarchy and York Minster, explores these connections with everything from a Minster police truncheon with royal arms to the Great Seal of Queen Anne on display – not to mention visitors can also try on robes, crown and sceptre, and pose for a photograph showing off their best royal wave with a toy corgi. Click here to find out more.

Attend a street party...

Join your friends and family at Preston Park and Grounds to mark this historic occasion across the celebratory weekend. Don’t miss The Big Lunch Victorian street party and royal arts and crafts (from Saturday to Monday), then The Big Help Out bluebell community planting legacy event on Monday.

Read More: Discover New Monarchy Exhibition at York Minster after King Charles' Recent Visit

Castle Howard

Join a right royal knees-up...

Get ready for a right royal knees-up at Tynemouth Priory’s Kids Rule events this weekend. In the grounds of the ruined castle, celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation with merry monarchs and fun activities for all the family. If the weather's playing ball you can head down to the nearby King Edward's Bay beach for a dip before refuelling on fish and chips or ice cream.

Head to an exhibition...

In celebration of the coronation head to the Crowns and Coronets exhibition at Alnwick Castle. Featuring four coronets, robes, historic archives, music, diaries, photographs and artefacts, the exhibition appeals to anyone who would like to explore the history of the royal ceremony and recall the splendour and ceremony of previous coronations through the eyes of various members of the Percy family.

Enjoy afternoon tea...

Unsurprisingly there are a number of places offering a special celebratory Coronation afternoon tea, so take your pick this long weekend – we say why not have a different one each day? Despite taking place in the Grecian Hall, Castle Howard calls their Coronation Tea a celebration of all things quintessentially British, featuring some of Yorkshire's finest produce.

Steampunk for the succession...

In celebration of the coronation, The Great Bridlington Steampunk Weekend will be themed around this historic occasion. Appropriately held in the Royal Hall, decorated in a riot of red, white and blue, the ceremony will be shown live as it happens on large projector screens, while outside there’ll be vintage vehicles and motorcycles. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in costume themed around the celebration.

Read More: Theatre, Comedy Nights and Gigs to Book in Yorkshire this May

Wentworth Castle Image: Steve Williams David White

A feast fit for a king...

Head to Arthur's at Fenwick on 5th May to mark His Majesty King Charles III's Coronation. A moment to remember, the team will be providing the royal treatment on the night consisting of spectacular food, plenty of bubbles and exceptional live entertainment. The decadent three-course menu has been specially designed for the Coronation and features some of the King's favourite flavours, including a Mint Julep welcome drink with a whisky base. 

Get out in the garden...

With the sun set to make an appearance this weekend head out in the fresh air, and where more apt to visit than the Union Jack Garden at Wentworth Castle? This bank holiday Monday bring a picnic rug and share food, fun and games together at pop-up locations around the site, before contributing to a piece of commemorative artwork, inspired by the Union Jack Gardens.

Cook something special…

What’s a celebration without good food? Whether you’re looking for recipes to impress your guests at a garden party (there’s a delicious asparagus and gruyere quiche recipe in there) or you just want to make some coronation chicken sandwiches to nibble on as you watch the Coronation on TV, we’ve got something for everyone. Those with a sweet tooth need to try these cakes and bakes to make for the Coronation weekend – there’s everything from a classic Bakewell tart to a Battenberg with a twist.

Get crafty…

This Friday, Harewood House are giving you the chance to get together with friends to create your very own red, white and blue rag wreath with the help of Yorkshire Blankets. All the materials will be provided so all you have to do is choose between either a heart or round wreath and get creative! Kids also have the chance to their hands at arts and crafts this weekend, by following our guide to how to make a showstopping crown for the Coronation.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.


Please read our Cookie policy.