One of Northumberland's best-known castles is set to host a special screening of the King's coronation next month.
The "majestic" setting of Alnwick Castle's Outer Bailey will play host to the screening of the first royal coronation in 70 years, Northumberland County Council has announced.
Up to 1,500 guests will be able to attend the screening of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilia on May 6, including 500 "local community heroes" from up and down the county.
Read more: Town Hall Rich List 2023: North East council boss's expenses were highest in the country
As part of the celebration, the county council will be honouring those local heroes, recognising the efforts of "those making a positive difference to our local communities through volunteering".
Coun Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives at Northumberland County Council, said: “The King and Queen Consort are encouraging people to spend the weekend celebrating with friends, families and their communities.
“I am really pleased that we are able to mark this once-in-a-generation celebration by bringing together those who have given so much to their communities.”
“Alnwick Castle is one of Northumberland’s finest destinations and a special place to mark the occasion. I look forward to seeing all our local community heroes enjoy this special celebration, which recognises their contribution to making our county a proud and wonderful place.”
Free tickets for the screening will made available in the near future, with an announcement expected via Alnwick Castle's Social Media. A total of 500 tickets will be issued to residents who wish to watch the Coronation in the Outer Bailey and a further 500 issued alongside a ticket for full access to Alnwick Castle and the State Rooms.
For those who aren't lucky enough to receive tickets for the special event, there will be further opportunities for residents across the county to come together to mark the historic occasion.
Communities across the county will be organising street parties and celebrations, while libraries across the county will also be hosting screenings alongside special activities.
As well as a popular tourist destination, Alnwick Castle is also the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.
Lord Lieutenant for Northumberland, Her Grace The Duchess of Northumberland said: “The Coronation weekend will bring communities together to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. It is a momentous milestone in our history and a great opportunity for everyone to have fun and get together to celebrate, as well as pay tribute to the people who have made a difference in our local communities.”
The castle is a particularly apt choice for the special screening - the King has made two visits to the town in the last 11 years; first in 2012 and again in 2018.
In 2018, the then Prince of Wales dubbed Northumberland a "special place". Speaking at the annual Alnwick Garden Party, he added: "I was very touched to be asked by the Duchess to come to this great event. I know my parents came here a few years ago to the very first one.
“It has been an enormous pleasure to meet some of you.
“For me coming here to Northumberland, which is such a special county, all I can say is it makes me unbelievably proud just to see what you’re all doing and the way in which you help to keep this county so very special.
“This remarkable place and this garden, of which I’ve been patron now for quite a long time, I know this whole operation here has made a huge difference to the whole area so I also wanted to pay my compliments to the Duchess for what she does.”
Read next:
- Raoul Moat's final words before he died in Northumberland riverbank police stand-off
- Famous Union Chain Bridge reopens after multi-million pound restoration
- Dog owner's delight after stranger dives into River Tyne to save her five-month old puppy
- Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after crash with vehicle in Northumberland
- Concern over Northumberland County Council's planned savings for adult social care budget
