Moray Coronation activities and Service of Celebration
Events and activities will take place throughout the Moray and Banffshire Lieutenancy areas to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during Coronation Weekend 6-8 May 2023.
Starting with the Coronation on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey at 11am, the Lord- Lieutenant of Moray, Major General The Hon Seymour Monro, and Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mr Andrew Simpson, will represent the counties alongside recent local honours’ recipients. Details of the Coronation Procession were released by Buckingham Palace on 9 April.
It has been suggested churches may wish to open their doors for those who would like to watch the Coronation Service with others, while the BBC will live stream the Service free. Communities hosting events are also invited to publish the details on the official Coronation map of events online.
Bells will be rung throughout the land and there’s still time to Ring for the King as bell ringers around the UK are being asked to come forward to take part in the historic day.
On Sunday 7 May everyone is encouraged to celebrate with friends and their communities with a Big Lunch, tea or BBQ.
In the Moray Lieutenancy, a special Big Lunch takes place at Elgin Town Hall 3pm-5pm on 7 May, with a special invitation to Ukrainian refugees. Other events are taking place across the region, from live streaming Coronation events and bring your own picnics to hog roasts and ceilidhs. Residents are encouraged to check their local social media channels for further details.
Guests from Moray and Banffshire will attend a televised concert broadcast from Windsor Castle between 7pm-10pm on 7 May.
The special bank holiday on Monday 8 May marks The Big Help Out. Residents are encouraged to join local voluntary organisations for the day to find out more about them and to give back to the community. More details are available online.
Nominations for Coronation Champions, individuals of all ages and walks of life who volunteer, have been submitted. At the start of the Coronation Weekend, 500 will be announced as Coronation Champions. A number of outstanding volunteers from Moray and Banffshire have been nominated.
Finally, on Sunday 14 May a Service of Celebration will be held at 6pm in St Laurence Church, Forres. This multi-faith service will be open to everyone with invitations also going to recent award winners, the emergency services, Armed Forces, community groups, youth organisations and schools.
Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro, commented: “Everyone is encouraged to join in the celebrations – this is a great opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate a new era. I hope everyone hangs out their bunting and flies their flags!”
Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mr Andrew Simpson, added: “His Majesty King Charles III was keen that the events surrounding his coronation should reflect issues that he views as vital to the country in the twenty first century. These themes of community and volunteering are central to all the activities being planned across our areas. The local organisers are to be congratulated on their hard work and creativity in putting together so many fantastic events.”
Civic Leader of Moray Council, Cllr John Cowe, said: “The community spirit is very much in evidence throughout Moray and I hope we can all see the Coronation Weekend as an opportunity to be together, work together and celebrate together.”
Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, finished by saying: “We’ve all seen the footage and photos of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, so it will be wonderful for us all to make new memories together as we witness this historical event and the Coronation of King Charles III.”
Events known to the Lieutenancy as of 11 April 2023 can be found on the attachment to this article.