17 ways to celebrate the King’s coronation in Bristol

The coronation of King Charles III is fast approaching, and to celebrate the occasion, (or the extra bank holiday) Bristol24/7 has compiled a list of 15 ways to celebrate the historic event in and around Bristol.

Sing for the King, Bristol Cathedral

On the first of May, Bristol Cathedral will invite over 650 singers to perform in celebration of the King’s Coronation. Everyone is welcome! The event will even be streamed online, with over 100 members of the digital choir joining, demonstrating a modern twist on a occasion that evokes tradition.

Monday, May 1, 1pm to 5pm

King’s Coronation Afternoon Tea, Clifton Observatory

For those seeking a good view alongside their coronation celebrations, look no further than the Clifton Observatory Afternoon Tea event. Taking place atop the rooftop terrace, attendees can expect a stunning spectacle of the surrounding landscape, including the famed Suspension Bridge, as well as an assortment of indulgent; cakes, creams, jams and more.

Tickets are priced at £22 per adult and £10 per child (under the age of 12).

1.5 hour sittings, 12pm and 2pm (2pm slots now sold out)

Expect a stunning spectacle of the surrounding landscape – photo: Clifton Observatory cafe

High Street Market, Tithe Barn, Shirehampton

On May 4, the Coronation celebrations arrive in Shirehampton. With cakes, scones and tea galore this is the perfect day out for all the family. A selection of mouth-watering Sri Lankan & Jamaican cuisine will also be available in the hopes of demonstrating the rich cultural tapestry of our island nation.

A selection of garden plants, ornaments, arts, and crafts and more are also available.

Thursday, May 4, 10am

Lego, Cabot Circus

Build a free Lego coronation crown in store and take it home for free! This is the perfect coronation treat for both children and adults alike, perfect for fuelling creativity and on a budget too.

Saturday May 6 and Monday May 8, 12pm to 2pm

Outdoor Coronation screening, Bristol & Bath science park

This event gives those who attend the opportunity to view the historic coronation on a huge six-meter outdoor screen! Bask in the Spring sunshine and enjoy a delicious beverage, the perfect way to kick back and relax this bank holiday weekend.

Saturday May 6, 10am to 6pm and Sunday May 7, 12pm to 11pm

Kings ‘Coralnation’ Weekend, Bristol Aquarium

Fancy a change from the usual coronation celebrations? How about diving headfirst into the aptly named ‘Coralnation’ celebrations, taking place across the bank holiday weekend at Bristol Aquarium! A whole host of royal-themed events will be taking place, including a Royal Fish Trail and Royal Fish Portraits.

Saturday May 6 and Sunday May 7, 10am to 5pm

Join a Royal Fish Trail and Royal Fish Portraits at Bristol Aquarium’s – photo: Bristol Aquarium

Coronation music festival, Mall Gardens, Clifton

Here’s one for any music lovers! The Clifton Coronation Music Festival brings together five fantastic local bands as well as mouthwatering food and drink from local vendors. The lineup includes a range of amazing acts, including: The Hounds of Lounge, The Harrisons Trio, Peter And the Wolves and more!

Sunday May 7, 1pm to 9pm

Special Coronation acts will perform at the Clifton Coronation Music Festival – photo: Jude Pearcey

Coronation Street Party at the Coronation, Bristol

Perhaps the street parties, aquariums and Lego giveaways are not quite what you’re after? Maybe you simply want a foamy, chilled pint and to spend an afternoon in a welcoming, cosy pub.

The street outside will be closed for the day, with the nearby car-park hosting eight fantastic live acts,  highlights include; samba performances, acoustic acts and a silent disco, better yet it’s free too…

Saturday May 6, 12pm – 11pm

‘What are we celebrating? Anti-street party and discussion panel‘ at the Cube cinema

For anti-royalists out there, the Cube’s counter programming for the Coronation will celebrate all things anti-monarchy. Eat cake with fellow critics of the British Empire and listen to a discussion panel about what it really is that is being celebrated. Plus, in the evening there is a huge ‘gay diana party’ for the more outgoing critics of the monarchy.

Saturday, May 6

Coronation screening at Bristol Cathedral

As part the national celebrations, Bristol Cathedral will be showing a live screening of the Coronation Ceremony on the Saturday. Enjoy the pageantry and tradition of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in the beautiful setting of Bristol Cathedral.

Saturday, May 6

The cathedral was full for the queen’s funeral – photo: Martin Booth

The Cosy Club Celebration, The Cosy Club

A variety of coronation themed delights will be on offer at the Cosy Club, with limited edition British-inspired cocktails, served in china teacups, Victoria sponge cocktails and more. As a bonus, anyone names Charles, Camila or with the surname King will receive a teacup cocktail free of charge (ID required).

Friday May 5 to Monday May 8, 9am – 12am

‘Lost Saturdays / Coronation Party, Lola Lo Nightclub

The Coronation festivities arrive in style at Lola Lo nightclub on Saturday May 6. With an assortment of noughties RnB and Hip Hop bangers, as well as a range of delicious cocktails, this looks set to be a memorable night. Tickets are currently priced at £3.

Saturday May 6, 10pm – 3am

Long Ashton Coronation Party, Peel Park Community Centre

The Long Ashton Branch Royal British Legion will host a free-entry party to celebrate the Coronation. Musical entertainment will be provided by the ‘Polka Dot Peaches’ a Bristol based Close Harmony Group, there will also be an assortment of food-stalls and children’s activities.

Saturday May 6, 6.30pm – 9pm

Royal Afternoon Tea, SS Great Britain

Celebrate the historic Coronation of King Charles III aboard the famed SS Great Britain. Enjoy a selection of delectable savoury snacks and deserts while marvelling at the world’s first ever great ocean liner. Adult tickets are priced at £39.95, with children tickets at £25 per child. Attendees gain full access to the ship as well as the surrounding dockyard, dry dock and museum, these are available until close.

Sunday May 7, 1pm or 3pm

Coronation BBQ Party, The Ardagh, off Kellaway Avenue

Monday May 8, 12pm – 6pm

Trade in the jams, cakes and tea for a taste of summer with the Coronation BBQ party taking place at Horfield Common. This event takes place on the bank holiday Monday and features a range of great food, drinks and music galore. This serves as a great time to engage with the local community and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of great company and equally fantastic refreshments.

Hurray for King Charles, Berkeley Castle

Venture further afield this bank holiday to the spectacular Berkeley Castle. and allow yourself to be transported back through time to the year 1673. Meet the legendary King Charles II and join in with the festivities. Adult tickets are currently priced at £14.50, child tickets at £7.50 and family tickets at £40.

Monday May 8, 11am – 5pm

Stepping back in time at Berkeley Castle – photo: Berkeley Castle

Royal Style Party, Belfast Walk Community Garden, Knowle West.

Filwood Residents Association will be celebrating the King’s coronation in right royal style with a party at the Belfast Walk Community Garden in Knowle West. The free event will include scrumptious food, family-friendly activities and live music – including a performance by professional orchestra Bristol Ensemble.

Saturday May 6, 12pm – 3pm

The King’s Coronation will take place on Saturday May 6, with live television coverage beginning at 7.30am.

Read next:

• Cinema to host ‘anti-street party’ coronation event
• The Proclamation of King Charles III takes place on College Green
• A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Coronation, Southville

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