SOUTHEND High Street will come alive with a colourful party and a packed programme of entertainment for the King’s coronation.
Irons Works in the High Street will hold the Community Coronation Event on Sunday from 11am to 3pm as 60 other streets across Southend also hold celebrations.
Patriotic families and businesses are unfurling the flags and bunting ahead of the big day this weekend, when the UK and Commonwealth welcomes a new king.
The High Street will welcome an artisan market, fun for families and children, workshops and games. Children will get the chance to make a royal drum, a royal-themed slate and to take home a union flag and hat.
There will be art by south Essex artists Abbey and Lisa Pearsons, Jay Sota and Sharon Stone, as well as live music and other performances throughout the day.
Natalie Solomons, co-founder of the Iron Works, said: “We are thrilling to be hosting a King’s Coronation event for the community.
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“This is at the heart of the Iron Works and being so central to the city centre makes it a perfect destination to bring people together and the city alive for such a momentous occasion.”
Chris Robson, Scarlett Taylor, Sam Fraser among others will be busking under the bridge, while there will be performances from local groups, including the Southend Brass Band, Hoy Shanty Crew, Leigh Starlight Majorettes and Magic Dave.
Many streets are decked out for the occasion with flags and decorations, including Sandhurst Crescent, in Leigh, Chenies Drive, Laindon, and Hudson Road, Eastwood.
Southend’s Royals Shopping Centre has a stunning display of a throne surrounded by flowers as part of its coronation celebrations.
Southend store Vintage by the Sea didn’t miss the chance to get involved and even has mini Spice Girls figures on show. Boss Fiona Foster said: “I feel it’s so important and why not get involved, I wish more had done so too. Our customers are pleased with the windows.”
Gillian Fautley, owner of Courts of Rayleigh florist, is also in the spirit and said: “We always love to celebrate our royals and heritage. We will be selling red white and blue table bunches, decorations and gifts.
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