Nottinghamshire is preparing to usher in a new era for the Royal Family as its residents join people around the globe in marking the Coronation of King Charles III. It is less than a year since the pomp and pageantry of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, when people across Nottinghamshire embraced the sprit of that historical first by hosting dozens of parties and events.
Just months later saw the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the period of national mourning that followed. Nottinghamshire then was often a scene of sombreness as people paid their respects to the late monarch and tried to grow accustomed to life without her.
It is in the context of two such major events having taken place so recently that millions in the UK will come together today to mark a third. The man at the centre of today's events has been known to all as Prince Charles, but a service at Westminster Abbey will officially see him crowned King Charles III.
He will be alongside his wife of 18 years, Camilla, who will become Queen. Thousands of dignitaries will be flocking to London to be seated inside the Abbey for the Coronation, which is taking place amid much national debate about what the future of the Royal Family could and should look like.
That debate aside, many of Nottinghamshire's leaders are recognising today as a major moment in the UK's history. With a special Bank Holiday weekend, it's a chance for people to join with their family, friends and neighbours in celebration.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Wendy Smith, said: "The King's Coronation is an historic day for the country – the crowning of the first new monarch most of the population have ever known. Nottingham has hosted many royal visits over the years which are always greeted warmly by local people and we know many residents will be marking the occasion and enjoying the extra bank holiday this weekend.
"We were very pleased to be able to open up the grounds of Nottingham Castle for the screening of the Coronation and Coronation Concert and were not surprised when both sold out. It is a chance for people to gather for the occasion at a site where almost 400 years ago, the first King Charles raised his standard."
Events taking place across Nottinghamshire include screenings of the Coronation service, the most prominent of which will be held at Nottingham Castle, where the grounds are reopening to the public for the first time since November. Screenings are also taking place at locations ranging from the Thoresby Courtyard near Ollerton to the Miner's Recreation Ground in Kimberley.
The focus of today is the Coronation service, which gets underway at 11am, whilst Sunday will see a special Coronation Concert featuring acts including Katy Perry, Take That and Nottingham's very-own Jerub. The concert begins at 8pm on Sunday before 'The Big Help Out' on Monday, where people are being encouraged to take up volunteering opportunities in their local communities.
Ben Bradley MP, the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "This is a historic moment for the whole of the UK and Commonwealth and there will be celebrations across the world to commemorate King Charles III's Coronation. We lead the world on events like this, no one does patriotism, pomp and ceremony better than us and this is undoubtedly a proud moment for our country.
"I'm delighted that so many towns and villages across Nottinghamshire are holding street parties and celebrations. It's a day when communities come together to show the very best of Britain."
