To mark this moment in history, Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce that several celebratory and community events are planned to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen in May 2023.
The programme includes grant-supported community events, a school engagement programme, tea dances, tree planting, traditional craft workshops, and a Coronation exhibition.
Events to mark the Coronation
Tea Dances **NOW FULLY BOOKED**
Coronation Tea Dances | Friday 5 May | 2pm to 5pm | Includes light refreshments
To mark the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, join us for Tea Dances in Bangor and Newtownards on Friday 5 May 2023, 2pm to 4pm in Aurora Leisure Centre, Bangor and Queen's Hall, Newtownards.
Everyone welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.
Booking essential as spaces are limited. Please contact Sharon Murphy by Friday 28 April to reserve your place: Email sharon.murphy@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk / Telephone: 0300 013 333 ext 40348
Celebrate the King's Coronation with Afternoon Tea at The Old Inn
Saturday 6 May | From 10.45am | £35pp | Add a glass of champagne for £10pp
Celebrate the King's Coronation with Afternoon Tea at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Watch the Coronation on the big screen and indulge in the finest delicacies in elegant surroundings of The Old Inn, the perfect spot to enjoy the celebrations in one of Northern Ireland's most historic hotels.
For information on the menu and more, visit theoldinn.com/coronation-afternoon-tea.html.
A Right Royal Afternoon Tea
The Walled Garden Helen's Bay | Saturday 6 May | 2pm-4.30pm | £45
Let your regal side shine with your closest friends and family!
Celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III. Enjoy this traditional English pastime with a royal twist in the heritage setting of The Walled Garden Helen's Bay.
On arrival you will be welcomed with a Coronation cocktail.
After a guided tour of the garden, you will enjoy a lavish selection of dainty sandwiches, irresistible miniature cakes, traybakes and scones, all served in pretty vintage china, on linen tablecloths bedecked with bunting and flowers for that added touch of nostalgia.
This will be an afternoon to remember.
Find out more: bit.ly/a-right-royal-afternoon-tea
**Tickets are now closed for this experience**
Join the Coronation Celebrations at Cockle Row, Groomsport
Sunday 7 May | 2pm – 5pm | Free
With games, storytelling from local author Marianne Mc Shane Storyteller, puzzles, and a treasure trail fit for Royalty, it is set to be a lovely day out.
Discover Groomsport will also have activities at their Big Picnic with music from Bangor Ukes, crab fishing competition, crafts, a fancy dress parade and cake!
Why not pack a picnic and plan to come along?
Historic Cottages open 1pm – 5pm | Activity 2pm – 5pm
Workshops and craft-based activities
To mark the crowning of the 62nd Monarch King Charles III, the Arts and Heritage service will host a series of workshops and craft-based activities. King Charles is an ambassador of heritage craft preservation and we invite you to celebrate his Coronation with us. Find out more.
Irish Linen, a Heritage Textile
North Down Museum | Thursday 11 May | 7pm | £5 includes refreshments
An illustrated talk on the history of Irish Linen by textile specialist Fiona McKelvie.
Linen occupies a special place in the world of textiles – a strong and long-lasting fabric with some exceptional properties, and all the while delighting the eye with its designs, whether woven or embroidered. As well as exploring the journey from flax flower to table linen you will learn about the design and manufacturing heritage of the industry that once contributed to Belfast being called Linenopolis. In addition, there will be an opportunity to see and discuss some rather special examples of linen and artefacts, many of museum quality.
Crafters at Work
Bangor Castle Walled Garden | Saturday 13 May | 12noon-3pm | Free Admission
King Charles is an ambassador of heritage craft preservation, and we invite you to spend the afternoon watching talented crafters at work. Demonstrations include spinning, wood turning, boat building, leather making, ropemaking, and willow weaving. There will be a range of free traditional craft demonstrations throughout the afternoon with musical interludes. Why not bring a picnic, enjoy a coffee from Coffee Cure and experience the beautiful Walled Garden in early summer bloom! The event is outdoors, weather permitting.
History in the Making
North Down Museum, Bangor | Praeger Gallery Tuesday 25 April - Sunday 30 July | Free Admission
To mark the crowning of the 62nd Monarch, King Charles III, North Down Museum will host an exhibition to honour the first Coronation to be held in Great Britain in 70 years. This momentous occasion provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the museum’s fascinating objects with Royal associations. An array of paintings, photographs and memorabilia from past Coronations and Royal visits to the borough will be on display to evoke a sense of celebration for this extraordinary event.
For a full list of arts events to celebrate the Coronation, visit ANDCulture.org.uk
If you are on Facebook, be sure to follow our Culture-ArdsandNorthDown page as they share some facts and information on King Charles III and the Coronation ceremony!
Facts like this... Did you know that King Charles first visited Bangor in 1961? He accompanied his mother and father on their visit to Northern Ireland. He can be seen here at Bangor Pier with his sister Princess Anne.
King Charles and Queen Camilla last visited Bangor in 2021, while still Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
For further information on local activity to mark the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/coronation.
