Support to Celebrate the King's Coronation

A new grants scheme has been launched in South Tyneside to support communities to celebrate the King's Coronation in May.

His Majesty King Charles III ascended to the throne on the death of his mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September last year following her extraordinary 70-year reign.

South Tyneside will be joining communities across the globe to mark the historic Coronation taking place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey. To mark the special occasion, the UK will have an additional Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May.

The Council has set aside £7,000 in Community Grant Funding to help support coronation community events being organised across the Borough.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "We are sure many people in our communities will want to join the rest of the UK and beyond in celebrating Charles III being crowned His Majesty The King alongside his wife Camilla, Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

"Much like we did to mark Her Majesty The Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations last summer, we are thrilled to be able to provide some funding to allow our communities to come together once again to mark this incredible moment of pageantry and celebration and get involved in the coronation weekend.

"Whether it's a street party or community gathering, it's sure to be a great weekend.

"The Coronation of our new Sovereign is a hugely significant event in world history. We want to be able to support the people of South Tyneside to celebrate in style over the Coronation Weekend and to make memories they will hold special when they look back on this momentous occasion in many years to come."

Events nationally include The Coronation Big Lunch whereby neighbours and communities are encouraged to share food and fun together on Sunday 7 May.

On Monday 8 May, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.

The Council is administering funding on a 'first-come, first-served' basis to established groups and organisations, including schools, care homes and housing plus/supported living accommodation, for celebratory events taking place between 1 May to 14 May.

Applications are now open, with grants available to help mark:

• The Big Lunch - apply for £5 per head up to £250;
• The Big Help Out/Volunteering - apply for up to £100.

The funding can be used to support things like street parties, decorations, safety equipment or food.

The grants scheme will close on 31 March 2023 or when all funds have been allocated - whichever is sooner.

For further information about the King's Coronation celebrations, including details of the community funding grant and eligibility criteria, as well as how to organise a street party, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/kingscoronation  

More details of the national celebrations and how to get involved in The Coronation Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are available at www.royal.uk/coronation