There’s just one week to go until the historic Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey – and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are reminding residents of the exciting events organised to celebrate this magnificent milestone!
Tuesday 2 May - ‘Talking of the Coronation’: This nostalgic event on will take place on Tuesday 2 May at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church Hall, Castle Street, Ballymena and will showcase Royal memorabilia, look at the local history of previous Royal occasions in the Borough and include storytelling from members of Dalriada Legends. It will feature Dalriada Legends storytellers – Colin Urwin and Janice Witherspoon, Mr David Scott on Royal Memorabilia and Dr David Hume MBE on Royal events of the past. With footage from the Northern Ireland Film Archive of Royal occasions – this is one event not to miss!
This is a drop-in event, no booking necessary.
Friday 5 May – Royal presentation and talk: Then on Friday 5 May at 7.30pm in Whitehead Community Centre you can sit down and enjoy footage of previous Royal occasions from the Northern Ireland Film Archive, delve into the local history of previous Royal occasions and listen to wonderful storytelling by members of Dalriada Legends.
Featuring: Dalriada Legends storytellers – Janice Witherspoon and Sharon Dickson, Dr David Hume MBE on Royal events of the past and footage from the Northern Ireland Film Archive of Royal occasions – this is the perfect chance to reminisce before the big day!
This is a drop-in event, no booking necessary.
Saturday 6 May - Big-screen broadcasts: The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will be broadcast on big screens in People’s Park from 10am in Ballymena, Town Park in Larne, and Marine Gardens in Carrickfergus – don’t forget to bring your own chair and picnic! This will be accompanied by a wide range of fun, family activities taking place from 11am including: arts and crafts, face painting, balloon modelling, circus skills workshops, inflatables, dance activities, laser tag and kids shows (available activities will vary depending on location).
Sunday 7 May – Coronation Community Service: St Patrick’s Church in Ballymena will be the location for an afternoon ‘Coronation Community Service’ to reflect on this historic moment in time. Organised by Council in partnership with local churches, the service will take place on Sunday 7 May 2023 at 3pm.
Taking part will be local clergy from different denominations with participation from Cambridge House Grammar School musical ensemble, Slemish Integrated College choir as well as soloist Lisa Dawson and flautist Ami Ogilby. St. Patrick’s Church choir will also be taking part plus the Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Beth Adger MBE and the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, David McCorkell KStJ DL will be present.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Monday 8 May – The Big Help Out: Members of the public are also invited to take part in The Big Help Out on the Bank Holiday Monday, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. More information about The Big Help Out can be found on their website www.thebighelpout.org.uk
Commemorative birth certificates and coins
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are distributing special commemorative coins to schools across the Borough to celebrate the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
In addition, any babies born to parent’s resident in the Mid and East Antrim Borough in 2023 can apply for a uniquely designed commemorative birth certificate to mark this historic moment in time. You can apply for a commemorative birth certificate atwww.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/coronation
