It had been billed as “the party of the year”, but a Welsh market town has been forced to cancel its coronation celebration after failing to raise any money to cover costs.
Caldicot, in south-east Wales, was planning a “massive street party” with a big screen to watch the coronation of King Charles III, a “fully decorated town centre”, entertainment, children’s activities and competitions.
But organisers were forced to call off the festivities when nobody contributed to a crowdfunding page and they failed to attract money from local authorities.
The community group Caldicot Town Team said on its website: “Caldicot Town Team are disappointed to announce that the planned event for the king’s coronation has had to be cancelled primarily due to a lack of support and funding available to cover costs.
“A crowdfunder page has been running for 16 days, with social media promotion of the funder, but has failed to raise any money whatsoever.”
The team said it had approached Monmouthshire county council and other organisations but was unable to gather the funds needed for the event, expected to cost between £2,500 and £3,000.
It added: “Whilst Caldicot town council have a small fund available, this only covers items such as plates, hats, bunting etc. Caldicot Town Team have taken the decision that in the current financial crisis, it would not be a good investment of funds, and could be better spent elsewhere throughout the year, such as a family fun day and street food festivals.”
The market town, which has a population of 10,000, is in Monmouthshire, and the secretary for Wales, David TC Davies, is the MP for Monmouth, though Caldicot sits in the Labour-held Newport East area.
Operating under the motto, “Together we can”, Caldicot Town Team is made up of local businesses, residents and landlords. It said there were other events locally and it hoped people would attend one of those.
A big screen will show the coronation at Cardiff Castle but a “not my king” protest will also take place on the city’s streets.
The llywydd (presiding officer) in the Welsh parliament, Elin Jones, has said she will not attend the coronation because of her republican views.
Jones, a Plaid Cymru member, said: “As llywydd I have engaged fully in all constitutional duties with the head of state and will continue to do so. However, as a republican, I consider it is for others to celebrate a coronation.”
The Senedd will be represented by the deputy presiding officer and Labour member, David Rees.
