11th May 2023

How Bradford on Avon Celebrated the King’s Coronation

The King’s Coronation celebration in Bradford on Avon was a great success. Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed themselves.

It was a fantastic weekend of celebrations in Bradford on Avon and it was heartening to see residents and visitors enjoying the events organised around the town.

Whether you braved the weather for the Coronation ceremony, came to our outdoor cinema, enjoyed the sunshine at the Preservation Trust picnic, bopped along at the concert or attended our Big Help Out volunteer open day — we hope you had a brilliant time.

Our screening of the Coronation ceremony drew people from near and far despite the dreary weather. As the weather dried up, many more turned out for our showings of Paddington and Mamma Mia! 

On Sunday, large crowds of music lovers watched Katy Perry, Lionel Ritchie, Take That, and more as we broadcast Windsor Castle’s Coronation Concert on Victory Field – there was even a little boogieing from the crowd. 

Outside the Tithe Barn hundreds of happy residents attended the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust’s family picnic which included a crown making! 

Around 200 crowns were decorated and all the children who did were awarded a chocolate coin or lollipop. There was also a throne for them to have their photos taken on with their crowns and holding the orb and sceptre. 

All the cake was eaten by the end of the picnic and the packed Barton Farmyard enjoyed the excellent Mike Daniels Brass Quintet.

On Monday, we had our own Big Help Out volunteer open day in St Margaret’s Hall attended by groups from the Museum to Riding for the Disabled, Mighty Girls and more. 

The fact that so many community groups came together was heart warming. Additionally, the local Men’s Shed unveiled its spectacular Bugingham Palace – an insect hotel fit for a king! 

Councillor Katie Vigar, the Mayor of Bradford on Avon said: “It was a wonderful Coronation weekend and it was great to celebrate it with the many residents and visitors attending our range of events on Victory Field – the screening of the Coronation Concert from Windsor Castle was a particular highlight with many hundreds of people enjoying a great evening with friends and family, while viewing the concert on our fantastic big screen.

“Thanks to the Preservation Trust for hosting a great picnic, to all the volunteer groups for showcasing their work at the Big Help Out event on Monday and to our dedicated town council staff for working over the holiday weekend.”