Thursday 06 April 2023
The States of Guernsey are today announcing a full programme of events taking place across the weekend of the 5th - 8th May, to celebrate the historic occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The States of Guernsey are today announcing a full programme of events taking place across the weekend of the 5th - 8th May, to celebrate the historic occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chief Minister of Guernsey said
"The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is a truly historic moment, especially for the Bailiwick of Guernsey whose ties to the Crown are deeply rooted in our history and culture. It was a great privilege to be involved in the Proclamation of the King last year, in the days after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we saw in that period the great affection and loyalty Islanders felt for Her and for the new King. I'm very pleased that Islanders will have lots of opportunities to mark the Coronation and take part in the celebrations being staged in Guernsey."
The weekend will include a live showing of the Coronation Service on a big screen with family activities at the KGV, a parade to the Model Yacht Pond on the Castle Emplacement, and the screening of the special Coronation Concert live from Windsor Castle. Guernsey will also join in nationwide activities including the Big Lunch, the Big Help Out, and Lighting up the Nation.
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee forEducation, Sport & Culture said
"We've organised a weekend of events that we hope appeals to all Islanders wanting to celebrate the Coronation, which will be the first in most of our lifetimes. There are lots of ways to get involved and we're thankful to the Church of England, the Association of Guernsey Charities and many, many others who are also helping to make it a very special weekend."
Special church services will also be held to give thanks and to reflect on the themes and spiritual significance of the Coronation.
The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker said
"The Coronation of King Charles III will be a significant moment for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as well as for people in the UK and Commonwealth countries, and across the world. It is a time for us to reflect on our long association with the British Crown, to celebrate our identity as a Crown Dependency, and to look to our future.
At the centre of the Coronation on Saturday 6 May is a Christian service in which His Majesty will be anointed as King. This is the continuation of a long-standing tradition and will be full of Christian symbolism."
The full list of events and other information can be found at gov.gg/coronation.
CORONATION EVENTS
FRIDAY 5th MAY
Vigil for the King
An opportunity to reflect on the themes of the Coronation service and their spiritual significance, and to pray for The King and The Queen Consort as they prepare for their Coronation the following day
Where: Forest Methodist Church, Forest
Time: 7pm
SATURDAY 6TH MAY
Ring for the King
Immediately before the Coronation Service begins, local bell ringers and specially recruited newcomers will ring at all four churches which have suitable bells. They are the Town Church, Vale, Forest and St Pierre du Bois.
Time: 10am -11am
Coronation Parade to the Model Yacht Pond
A parade of serving and veteran military personnel with the Boys' Brigade band and the island standards will march from Fort George to the Model Yacht Pond at the Castle Emplacement.
Where:
9.45am Belvedere, Fort George for the assembling of parade, followed by review by the Deputy Bailiff.
10.15am March off to the Model Yacht Pond, via Le Val des Terres and South Esplanade
The Coronation Service Live Screening
A live screening of the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey will be shown on a big screen at the KGV. Alongside the screening there will be family activities themed around the Coronation, including vintage games, Coronation crafts, information displays, royal fancy dress and photo opportunities for children and more.
Drinks, cakes, sandwiches and hot food will be served all day.
Where: The KGV
Time: 10am-4pm
Coronation 21-Gun Salute
A 21-Gun salute will be fired at approximately 12 noon as part of the national salute.
Please note that Castle Cornet will be closed to the public on Coronation Day.
SUNDAY 7TH MAY
'The Big Lunch' - Eat Drink and Be Local Seafront Sunday
Islanders are invited to the Seafront where the Eat Drink and Be Local Seafront Sunday will be joining in the 'Big Lunch', encouraging people to share lunch together in a Nationwide act of celebration and friendship.
Where: St Peter Port Seafront
Time: 10am - 4pm
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Coronation
A celebration in word and music of the Coronation and its significance for the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Where:Town Church, St Peter Port
Time: 6pm
The Coronation Concert Live Screening
The special Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle will be broadcast live on the big screen at the KGV, with bar and refreshments. Islanders are invited to come, enjoy the music, dance, sing and celebrate.
Where: The KGV
Time: from 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Lighting up the Nation
Lighting up the Nationwill see all parts of the British Isles join in celebration as iconic locations are lit up. In Guernsey Castle Cornet, Fort Grey and Beau Séjour will be lit up in red, white, and blue.
MONDAY 8TH MAY
The Guernsey Big Help Out
Guernsey will be participating in the Big Help Out, a nationwide initiative to give everyone the chance to help out in our local communities.
In the Bailiwick, the wide spectrum of voluntary organisations will be invited to offer opportunities for everyone to join in. There'll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes, from checking in on someone who would like a bit of company, giving a hand with their shopping, to helping a charity or sport or the environment; whether you wish to learn a new skill or put an existing one to good use.
It will be an opportunity to help do something amazing. Join in. Lend a hand. Make a change.
Contact the Association of Guernsey Charities, admin@charity.org.gg to learn more.
OTHER COMMEMORATIONS
Coronation gift for school children
All school-aged children in the Bailiwick will receive a special gift: A commemorative Guernsey Coronation stamp in an official presentation pack, produced and supported by Guernsey Post. These will be distributed later in the year.
Coronation Weighbridge mast
The Weighbridge mast will be decorated in Union Flag and Guernsey Flag bunting from 23rd April until 28th May.
