ROLL out the bunting and the Union flags! Next month promises to be a moment of national rejoice and reflection as we usher in the new era of Charles III.

South Essex will be awash with street parties and celebrations over the coronation weekend between May 6 and May 8.

In Southend, the council has seen dozens of applications for street parties from Tattersall Gardens in Leigh to Rosewood Lane, Shoebury.

In Shoebury, a big coronation event is being planned by residents who enjoyed similar celebrations last year for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Shoebury resident Lorraine Camp is helping to plan the event with East Beach Residents’ Association, at St Peter’s Church, in Hinguar Street, to mark the coronation.

Ms Camp said: “We are catering for 180 people in our community and all tickets have now been reserved. “We have lots planned for the afternoon including egg and spoon races, musical chairs and football races with lots of prizes for the children.

“Other activities include face painting, balloon twister, raffle prizes, a choir and an ice cream van. “We are supplying a buffet for everyone from our local caterer, Eat Street Catering and cakes being supplied by the Garrison Bakery.

Echo:

“We shall be collecting for charity, the RNLI and the Shoebury Arkby means of a raffle and collection boxes.” Inspiring a sense of community spirit is a key theme for the coronation.

In Southend, a series of “clean for the King” events are to be held to give the city a tidy up. Shoebury Residents’ Association, Southend BID and McDonald’s is organising one event on May 1.

Peter Lovett, 76, chairman of the Shoebury Residents’ Association, said: “Its great for our city, the people and businesses too and helps bring more unity.

“It’s very much about all coming together and that’s the future of getting things done and making improvements. I will be trying to get down on the day.

“I think and hope it will make quite a big difference, even things like planting bulbs helps so much. It gives us chance to club together and take more pride in where we live.

“I hope lots of people get involved and the businesses too.”

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID manager, added: “We will conduct litter picking and sticker removal throughout the high street. “Meanwhile, we will be helping to make shop fronts sparkle for this historical occasion.

“If you own a business and would like support decorating your shopfront, get in touch with us directly. “Alongside our bunting, we hope these efforts will make Southend’s city centre shine ahead of King Charles’ coronation.”

Get set for events to mark coronation

  • Music in the Park, Southend Coronation Picnic Special, Priory Park on Saturday, May 6 from 3pm to 4.30pm For the coronation special, the Southend Band will be accompanied by Southend Community Chorus with uplifting music to celebrate the occasion. Visitors have been asked to bring a picnic.
  • Coronation tea dance Grab your partners for the event at the Haven Community Hub in Westcliff on Thursday, May 4 from 2pm to 4pm Age Concern Southend is hosting a tea party at the Haven Community Hub, with all money raised going to Age Concern Southend. The dance will celebrate the coronation with ballroom, Latin and party dances. Organisers have said patriotic clothing and flags are encouraged. Tickets cost £10 and include refreshments. To book, contact Age Concern Southend at 01702 345373.
  • Southend Coronation Mega Fun Day The event, at Garon Park, Southend, takes place on Sunday, May 7 from 11am to 4pm There will be a huge outdoor inflatable arena suitable for children of all ages. There will also be bouncy castles, slides, fun runs, assault courses and a separate toddler zone. Tickets cost £8.99 for kids unlimited fun, £1.50 for adults and undertwos go free.

Runwell and Rayleigh coronation events

CORONATION Day: Family event Where: Runwell Sports & Social Club Saint Lukes Way Runwell SS11 7QA When: Saturday, May 6 from 11am to 4pm A family event is being held on the St Lukes estate in Runwell with garden games, music, crafts, face painting and more.

The Coronation will be televised in the sports clubhouse and on a large projector screen. Visitors have been advised to bring their own picnics on the day to get involved in the UK’s Big Lunch.

There will be crazy golf and balloon animal entertainment. The clubhouse bar will be open for refreshments. The event is free to attend.

Coronation Picnic Where: King George V Playing Field, Rayleigh When: Saturday, May 6 from 10am Rayleigh Town Council has organised a celebration picnic in the park in the centre of town. Residents are being encouraged to bring picnics, chairs and blankets to watch the historic event on a large screen. The pavilion snack bar will be open for refreshments and there will be additional vendors on site