Parishes across the Diocese are getting set to celebrate the Coronation. From community lunches, street parties and screenings, to services of thanksgiving and even a dog show, there is plenty going on over the entire Coronation weekend.
On Coronation Day itself, Saturday 6 May, St Barnabas and St Paul's Cray will host a Messy Church event from 2.15pm onwards, where there will be crown making followed by an afternoon of food and fun, including children’s races, fancy dress competition, plus a dog show – with one prize being for the Dog That Looks Most Like The King!
There will also be opportunities to watch the Coronation with others.
Rochester Cathedral will screen the Coronation on large screens on Saturday, with visitors encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket to join others in the Nave to watch the historic occasion.
One picnic bench available with a difference will be The Jubilee Oak Table – the spectacular 13m long table made from the wood of a 5,000-year-old fossilised black oak tree. Seats around the table will be allocated on a first come first served basis throughout the day. The Cathedral will be open from 10am to 6pm.
The Coronation service can also be watched at:
- St Mark's Church Rosherville, from 10am to 1pm, where there be a Coronation themed coffee morning with home-made cakes, sandwiches and a raffle.
- St Matthew's Church Wigmore, will be open from 10am to allow people to gather and to watch the service with others, followed by cream teas.
- King Charles The Martyr, Tunbridge Wells, will host a screening from 10am with the church open until 4pm, with vintage teas available, plus a Coronation decorated church and craft corner.
On Sunday 7 May, many churches will dedicate their services to the Coronation.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, The Bishop of Rochester, will attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Rochester Cathedral at 11am to which all are welcome (please be seated by 10.45am).
Over in Chatham, St Paul with All Saints Church, Chatham, will hold a Celebration ‘All Around the Altar’ service at 10.30am followed by a lunch and an afternoon of games, craft and quiz open to all community users.
Shipbourne with Plaxtol Parish will host 'Coronation Praise' - an open-air service for the whole community – at Plaxtol Cricket Club starting at 10.30am.
At St Luke the Evangelist Gillingham, all are welcome to join a parish Mass with special prayers for the King and the nation, followed by a 'BRING & SHARE Right Royal meal’ at 12 noon in the Church Hall on King William Road.
St. Barnabas, Beckenham, will host the local street party for residents, friends and family within the church grounds at 3pm.
Celebrations will continue across the Diocese on Monday 8 May.
At St. Thomas's Southborough, a celebration tea will be provided from 2pm to 4.30pm with cakes, followed by a fun afternoon for the community with face painting, crown making, garden games and more.
The Coronation theme of service will be reflected by St Matthew’s Wigmore, as they join in with the Big Help Out by hosting a litter pick around Wigmore from 10am to 1pm. Pickers are invited to regather on the grass next door to the church for a bring your own picnics.
To explore what Coronation events might be taking place at a church near you visit: www.achurchnearyou.com/coronation/