Posted on May 04, 2023
This weekend, The Cotswolds is set to come alive with street parties and events celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort. With its quintessential English towns and villages, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the festivities. Whether you’ve already booked a long weekend away in the rolling hills or you’re a Cotswolds resident looking to join in some community parties, we’ve narrowed down the best events in The Cotswolds from a night at the races to big community lunches surrounded by good people and good food.
Cheltenham's Coronation Community Celebration - 6-7th May
Join Cheltenham’s largest two-day free celebrations at the Pittville Pump Room, Heritage Café and park. Featuring live music, choirs, children’s activity and creative zones with Leisure at Cheltenham and The Wilson. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the big screen in front of the pump room followed by a free screening of all-round favourite, Paddington. The celebrations wrap up on Sunday with a live broadcast of the concert at Windsor Castle, followed by the lighting up of the pump room façade as part of the national Light up the Nation celebration.
Expect plenty of tasty, themed food and drinks in the Heritage Café, pop-up café in the pump room bar, and at the park!
Cheltenham Race Course for a night at the races - 5th May
Not specifically a Coronation event, but we think a night at the races would have the royal stamp of approval. Friday’s event wraps up the race season and is the only evening fixture at Cheltenham.
Get dressed to the nines and watch amateur riders and trainers compete for the ultimate dream of winning at the Home of Jump racing. Make the most of the evening and join the after party in The Centaur. Jordan North from BBC Radio 1 will take to the stage and we can’t think of a better way to ring in the long weekend of Coronation celebrations.
Celebrate in Broadway - 5-7th May
For perhaps the biggest celebrations within The Cotswolds, head to Broadway! The high street is holding a competition for the best coronation themed shop windows, so there’s plenty of theming going on. On Friday, kick things off with the lighting of the beacon at Broadway Tower and on Saturday enjoy watching the coronation and join in the merriment on the green. While on Sunday, Broadway kicks things up a notch and you can enjoy morris dancing, maypole dancing, circus performances throughout the day.
For the full itinerary, click here.
Chipping Norton Picnic In The Park - 7th May
A great day out for the little ones, head to New Street Play Park on Sunday, where a temporary Skate park has been installed in partnership with RollBack World. On hand will be two instructors, skates, scooters, BMX's and safety equipment for newbies and experts to have a go and maybe even discover a new hobby! There’s plenty more on offer, such as performances, craft tables and music to get involved for a real festival feel. Find out more on the Chipping Norton Council Facebook page.
Cirencester Big Lunch in the Park - 7th May
Similar to last year’s Jubilee celebrations, The Big Lunch returns in celebration of the Coronation on the 7th May. From 12-6pm head to the Abbey Grounds where there will be an artisan market, music, entertainment, fun family activities and food stalls for those who do not want to bring a picnic.
The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The National Lottery, that brings millions of people together to boost community spirit, reduce loneliness and support charities and good causes.
Cotswolds souvenirs to take home from a weekend spent celebrating the Coronation
Highgrove Coronation Gifts
King Charles and Queen Camilla fondly call Highgrove House in The Cotswolds their home and so of course, there’s no better place to pick up souvenirs from. From special edition Highgrove panama hats and silk scarves to candles, mugs and sparkling wine, there’s plenty of pretty and special merchandise to pick up.
Limited edition collectable from Daylesford Organic
Our favourite organic shop in The Cotswolds have crafted a coronation collection which is absolutely stunning. Expect pretty tins of loose leaf tea and sweet treats of honey, shortbread, peppermint creams and even a stilton pork pie! Pop in store or shop online here.