City lights up for the Coronation

Landmarks across the city are to light up in celebration of the King and Queen’s coronation on 6 May.

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier, Brighton Centre, Brighton & Hove Town Halls and Mazda Fountain will all be illuminated in purple - a traditionally royal colour.

Street parties are planned across the UK with 31 official parties involving some road closures taking place in Brighton & Hove. Many churches across the country will ring bells to mark the historic event.

Big screen in Jubilee Square

The coronation ceremony will be shown live on a big screen in Jubilee Square. The screen will have a covered area to ensure the space can be used whatever the weather, as well as some limited seating available. Jubilee Street will be closed to allow for the additional footfall during the event.

Brighton & Hove is among a number of towns and cities across the UK to have secured funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to host the event.

Other activities taking place to mark the occasion include:

  • Coronation exhibition ‘A Right Royal Spectacle: The Coronation of George IV’.
    Featuring original costumes and items from George IV’s coronation in 1821.
    Date: 11 March to 10 September 2023
    Location: Royal Pavilion & Garden
    Brighton & Hove Museums
     
  • King Charles III Coronation Pennants exhibition
    Featuring over 1,500 portraits of the King made by local schoolchildren.
    Date: 5 May to 4 June
    Location: Hove Museum of Creativity
    Brighton & Hove Museums
     
  • The Music for Youth King’s Coronation Celebration will stage school bands who will perform all genres of music, musical theatre, dance and spoken word, on Brighton’s iconic Bandstand by the seafront.
    Date: 7 May, 1pm to 6pm
     
  • A special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle and broadcast live by the BBC.
    Date: 7 May
     
  • The Coronation Big Lunch
    Join millions across the UK with a Coronation Big Lunch celebration in your community. An information pack is available with practical tips and advice on how to get involved .
    Date: 6 -o 8 May
     
  • The Big Help Out
    An initiative to showcase the positive impact of volunteering . A number of charities will be presenting in Preston Park for residents who’d like to get involved.
    Date: 8 May, 12 noon to 4pm
    Location: Preston Park

The council’s Executive Director, Economy Environment & Culture, Donna Chisholm, said: “May is an exciting and busy month in the city, with many colourful festivities and events taking place.

“The King’s Coronation will not only mark a special, historic occasion and a chance for people to get together in celebration – it’s also an opportunity for the city to showcase its musical and artistic talents and for people to enjoy and learn more about their local community.”       

A range of useful materials and templates are available to help you with your Coronation celebrations. From tips on how to make your own bunting, to ideas for recipes and children's activities, you can explore a variety of resources in the Coronation toolkit.

Find more information about Coronation events and activities here.

May is ‘festival month’ in Brighton & Hove - with the city looking forward to a line-up of colourful celebrations and activities, The Brighton Festival takes place from 6 to 28 May.

The Fringe Festival is from 5 May to 6 June and the Eurovision song contest takes place one week after the Coronation on 13 May.

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