Where to join in the Coronation celebrations in Sunderland

Six big screens have been lined up to help communities across the city to join in the celebrations, with people invited to bring the whole family along to watch the historic event live as it happens on Saturday 6 May.

The free Coronation screenings are taking place at:

• Keel Square in Sunderland city centre

• Hylton Castle in Castletown

• Rectory Park in Houghton

• Barnes Park 
• Town Moor, East End

• The Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington

Marion Dixon, Assistant Director of Regulatory Services at Sunderland City Council, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for communities across the city to come together to celebrate this historic occasion.

"We want everyone to have a brilliant time so we're working closely with Sunderland BID and partners in communities across Sunderland to make it a special and memorable day for all those coming along.

"There'll be something for everyone with free, fun activities for families at the majority of the screenings, so we're encouraging people to pack a picnic and bring the whole family along to watch this historic event live."

A packed programme of entertainment is being organised around a number of the screenings.

Keel Square - 10am - 4pm

In Keel Square, the free screening is just part of an event which will see hours of fun, including everything from stilt walking royals to a Punch and Judy show to face painting and glitter.

Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council have put together a family friendly range of events to help people enjoy the historic occasion together.

This includes:

• Entertainment for children
• Workshops
• Mini golf and walkabout characters
• Food and drink stalls offering cuisine from around the globe, including companies such as Burger Bros and Mexican food trader, Don't You Know I'm Loco, and outlets selling noodle dishes, ice cream and sweet treats.
• The Bridges Shopping Centre will also be hosting singers performing songs from across the years and a giveaway of Coronation cookies.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, believes it will be a fantastic day.

"Nearly everyone across the country will want to do something memorable on this historic occasion and to watch the coronation on a big screen will be extra special," she said.

"Hopefully our programme of events will have something for people of all ages and we are sure people will enjoy coming together and celebrating King Charles III official ascension to the throne."

For full details of the programme for the day visit www.sunderlandbid.co.uk

Barnes Park 10.30am - 2.30pm

• All activities are FREE
• Face Painters
• Royal Stilt Walkers
• Balloon Modeller (Balloon corgis)
• Children's craft activities (make your own crown)

Town Moor 10.30am - 2.30pm

• All activities are FREE
• Face Painters
• Royal Stilt Walkers
• Balloon Modeller (Balloon corgis)
• Children's craft activities (make your own crown)
• Traditional Family Games (Coconut shy and mini golf)

Rectory Park 10.30am - 2.30pm

• All activities are FREE
• Face Painters
• Royal Stilt Walkers
• Balloon Modeller (Balloon corgis)
• Children's craft activities (make your own crown)

Hylton Castle

• Free Coronation screening
• Details of additional activities will be announced soon

Galleries

• Free Coronation screening 

Sunderland's Coronation Big Lunch is part of a national initiative taking place from 6-8 May, where neighbours and communities are being encouraged to come together  in "food, friendship and fun."

To keep up to date with the latest on the city's plans for celebrating the Coronation visit:  www.mysunderland.co.uk/king-coronation

19 April 2023