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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Jacob Rawley

King's Coronation in Scotland - where, when and how to celebrate on bank holiday weekend

Thousands of Scots will take to the streets across major cities next weekend to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

Live ceremonies will be taking place in London, and will see the King officially mark his reign in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6. The Queen Consort will also be crowned alongside His Majesty.

It will be followed by a Coronation Concert which will be broadcast live at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7 and a bank holiday on Monday, May 8.

While most of the key celebrations will be held down south, it doesn't mean that Scots can't get involved. There will be plenty to do on the big day in Scotland, with both official and community-run events.

As well as opportunities to celebrate in major cities, organisations, community groups and individuals are encouraged to set up their own celebrations such as street parties. The official Coronation website has gathered these events on an interactive map, allowing revellers to find their nearest get-together.

Locals are also encouraged to take part in the Big Lunch, taking place from Saturday, May 6 until Monday, May 8, which will see people come together for a celebratory meal. From street parties to lunches and picnics to BBQs, neighbourhoods can organise gatherings which you can see on this map.

The Big Help Out is on the Bank Holiday Monday, April 8, and encourages locals to volunteer, such as litter picking, open days and assisting in charity shops across the country.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: "I will be attending the Coronation on 6 May, and there will be ample opportunities for people across Scotland who wish to mark this historic occasion, to do so.”

From street parties, to pubs extending their opening hours to watching the Coronation on a big screen, here’s how you can celebrate the big day in Scotland.

The King's coronation will take part on May 6 (STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP)

Edinburgh

Edinburgh's main Coronation celebration will take place later this year at St Giles' Cathedral, however there are still exciting events scheduled for revellers in the capital.

Official events

  • Live viewing of Coronation on a big screen at the Ross Bandstand, West Princes Street Gardens, May 6

  • Gun salutes will take place at Edinburgh castle

  • The Royal Standard will fly over St Andrew’s House, the Scottish Government’s headquarters, throughout the coronation weekend.

Street parties/lunches

There are currently 12 street party applications in Edinburgh, according to the City of Edinburgh Council. You may be able to organise your own by contacting the council.

  • Coronation Ball, Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, May 6

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • A blanket extension of opening hours for Edinburgh’s pubs will not be introduced. Pubs and late night venues can apply for extended hours, which will be considered on a case by case basis, on the Coronation weekend.

  • McLarens on the Corner, Badger & Co and The Queen have all confirmed to the Record that they will be showing the Coronation.

Volunteering

  • There are four volunteering events, all set up by children's charity Bernardo’s for the Big Help Out on Monday, May 8. Check out the interactive map here.

Glasgow

Glasgow has a packed Coronation schedule that will stretch right across the weekend, including parades and live viewings.

Official events

  • Live viewing of coronation at Glasgow Cathedral, Saturday, May 6

  • Official Coronation Parade, George Square Procession to Glasgow Cathedral, Sunday, May 7

Street parties/lunches

Glasgow City Council has received one street party application. The deadline to apply for street parties has passed.

  • Big Coronation Garden Doo, Bearsden, New Kilpatrick Parish Church. A church service and then a garden picnic with activities and entertainment. Bring your own picnic - Sunday, May 7

  • Coronation Tea, St James Pollok Parish church, Monday, May 8

  • Sauchiehall Lane street party - 2pm Sunday, May 7

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • A general exemption will allow for pubs and late night venues closing later than they usually would. On May 6 and 7, pubs across Glasgow will open until 1am instead of 12am. Bars and nightclubs in the city centre will shut at 4am instead of 3am.

  • The Smiddy Bar on Dumbarton Road, Glasgow has confirmed that it will be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III.

Volunteering

  • There are at least 12 volunteering events across Glasgow, all set up by children's charity Bernardo's for the Big Help Out on Monday, May 8. Check out the interactive map here.

Aberdeen

As well as an exciting day out on Sunday 8 May, Aberdeen council will arrange the delivery of cakes and decorations to the city’s nursing homes and sheltered housing complexes.

Official events

  • The King’s Coronation Family Celebration - Duthie Park, Sunday, May 7 from 11.30am

  • At Balmoral, , well-wishers will be able to watch the coronation live on screens across the royal estate, and the Ballater Pipe Band will play at periods throughout the day.

Street parties/lunches

Aberdeen City Council has received one street party application.

  • Live viewing, Cults Parish Church, Saturday, May 6

  • Big Lunch, people can bring food or are asked for a donation of £5 to help cover costs - Cults Parish Church, Sunday, May 7

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • Pubs and late night venues can apply for extended hours, however it will be considered on a case by case basis

  • Aberdeen’s Cheerz Bar will open for an extra hour to allow its customers to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation. The Chop Grill & Bar in the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel confirmed to the Record that it will screen the event.

Volunteering

  • 100 locals will have the opportunity

  • There are also four volunteering events, all set up by children's charity Bernardo's for the Big Help Out on Monday, May 8.

Dundee

Official events

  • No official events

Street parties/lunches

Dundee City Council did not confirm any street party applications

  • Maggie's Dundee RoyalTea Party, Tickets £27.50 per person, Monday May 8.

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • Pub opening hours as usual

Volunteering

  • There are two volunteering events, all set up by children's charity Bernardo’s for the Big Help Out on Monday, May 8.

Stirling

Official events

  • Gun salutes will take place at Stirling castle

Street parties/lunches

Stirling Council did not confirm any street party applications.

  • Macrobert Coronation Big Lunch, Sunday, May 7

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • Licensed premises without late night opening to remain open until 3am and 4am for licensed premises with late night opening on May 6

  • Licensed premises without late night opening to remain open until 1am and 3am for licensed premises with late night opening on May 7

  • The Stirling Highland Hotel confirmed to the Record it will screen the celebrations and host a royal afternoon tea.

Volunteering

  • There will be a Cats Protection Forth Valley Adoption Centre open day in nearby Alloa on Monday, May 8.

Inverness

Official events

  • No official events, but Ness Bridge, Inverness Town House and Hydro Ness will be illuminated for The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort from May 1 until May 9

Street parties/lunches

The Highland Council did not confirm any street party applications.

  • School-run events in Highland primaries including Thurso Primary Coronation Concert (May 6) Croy Primary event (May 5) Tongue Primary School afternoon tea (May 5)

  • Check out Big Lunches being held in your area on this interactive map.

Pub opening hours

  • Pub hours as usual

Volunteering

  • There is one volunteering event, all set up by children's charity Bernardo’s for the Big Help Out on Monday, May 8.

Lanarkshire

Official events

  • Coronation screening, New Lanark Visitor Centre's Film Theatre, May 6, 10am-5pm, free

How to organise a Coronation Big Lunch street party

You can find celebrations near you with the official events map (coronation.gov.uk)

As communities are being encouraged to set up their own events for the Coronation, you might want to plan something for your street.

There are already more than 7,000 Coronation Big Lunch events registered across the UK - and there’s still time to setup your own,

The Big Lunch aims to get communities together to organise their own events and celebrate the bid day in a way that suits them. While it typically takes place in June, it is being moved to the Coronation weekend, starting May 6, to coincide with the historic event.

The Big Lunch looks to bring communities closer together, and the official website offers a good amount of resources to help people set up their very own local event. Those looking to organise a Big Lunch will be able to pick up a free online event pack where they can access ideas, inspiration and top tips for setting things up.

Road closures

To start, you’ll need to see if you are able to close down a road. While the deadline to apply for closure has passed in some cities such as Glasgow, it’s always worth contacting your local council to check.

In some cases - for example, if you live in a quiet cul-de-sac or small road - you may not need formal permission, however you must always check. You’ll need a ‘road closed' sign if permission is granted.

But community get-togethers don’t have to be on roads, you can set things up in public parks - which will again possibly require council permission - or even in your own garden.

If you’re serving food, you may want to serve the official dish of the event; Coronation Quiche - made with spinach, broad beans, cheese and tarragon.

Those who don't typically watch the telly won't have to fork out for a TV licence during the weekend. TV licensing simply asks that you don’t charge others to view the Coronation at a gathering you’ve set up.

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