Whether you consider yourself a raving royalist or a radical republican, or just somewhere in between, who can turn their nose up at an extra bank holiday? The King’s Coronation (which takes place May 6) will be a unique celebration, so of course there will be lots to get up to Coronation Weekend in Birmingham (May 6 – 8). Here are just some of the best ways to celebrate and enjoy the long weekend!
1. Watch the King’s Coronation at the Birmingham street party in Centenary Square
To celebrate King Charles III’s coronation weekend, Birmingham is putting aside two days (May 6 & 7) of community focussed activities in Centenary Square. From 1pm to 9pm, each day, the celebrations will include lots of free live music that represent the vibrant diversity of Birmingham. Expect from local acoustic musicians, choirs, live bands, cultural entertainment, street entertainers and more!
Plus, running from early afternoon until close, children’s fun fair rides and activities will feature across the weekend. As well as a huge selection of cafes, bars and restaurants providing a selection of food and drinks. On Saturday, the King’s Coronation will be broadcast live on a big screen in the square from 11am. Then on Sunday, we will be broadcasting the Coronation Concert will be shown from 7pm. To find out more about this street party head here.
2. Take a trip back in time with a look at royal celebrations throughout history
It’s always a journey into the past at the Black Country Living Museum. But for the coronation of King Charles III, it will look back at royal celebrations, from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee all the way to the present day. May 6 to 8, discover how Black Country folk celebrated the United Kingdom’s kings and queens. You’ll also be able to help prepare for a royal street party and take part in traditional street games, races, and many more activities! On Saturday only, there will also be a screening of the coronation in the park. To learn more head here.
3. Enjoy a free party for the King’s Coronation at the oldest pub in Birmingham
The Old Crown has already seen 31 monarchs come and go in their 655 years. To celebrate the latest, on the King’s Coronation Day (May 6) there will be a free family-friendly daytime party in Birmingham!
Expect live music and DJs in the beer garden alongside delicious street food from House of Wingz. Live music comes from local legend Ash Sheehan with more acts to be announced in the run-up. To not miss out on a seat, we suggest grabbing a free ticket here.
4. Treat yourself to Coronation tea at Cadbury World
Across the King’s Coronation Weekend, you are cordially invited to celebrate at Cadbury World with a Coronation-themed tea and cake experience. Visitors will be able to experience this one-off event in a royally-themed area of Cadbury World. Enjoy a selection of delicious cakes including the classic Victoria Sponge, mouth-watering caramel cake and a choice of two delicious chocolate cakes. Plus, you’ll be served teas, hot chocolate, coffee and fruit juice, all fit for a king! Tickets for Cadbury World’s Coronation Tea cost an additional £7.00 per person and can be booked here.
5. Celebrate the return of the king this food festival
In celebration of the King’s Coronation weekend in Birmingham, The Townhouse will bring Sutton Food Fest back for a royal party in Sutton Coldfield on Saturday, May 6. Expect sensational food from the likes of Big Dogs Tacos, Cofton Pizza, South Birmingham Curry Club, Chatty Patty, Boxx n Bar, Get Bun’d Burger Co and Project D. Plus, there will be DJs and plenty of drinks available to ensure this street party really gets into the swing of it. Tickets are free and can be booked here.
6. Claim a free cocktail if your name is Charles, Camilla or King
To celebrate the King’s Coronation in Birmingham, Cosy Club is royally getting into the celebrations. They’ve created two limited edition British-inspired cocktails both served in (what else?) china teacups. The Victoria Sponge is a teacup cocktail with Hendrick’s gin, Pimm’s strawberry, vanilla and lemon served with a mini Victoria sponge on the side. While the Coronation Cup is made with Hendrick’s gin, elderflower, lemon, coconut and orange and served with a mini cucumber sandwich on the side. To further mark the occasion, anyone named Charles, Camilla or with the surname King will receive a teacup cocktail completely free of charge!
7. Experience the ultimate British pastime of afternoon tea
Is there anything more British than afternoon tea? We can’t think of a better pastime to celebrate the crowing of His Majesty King Charles III. The Belfry Hotel & Resort is offering a special afternoon tea during May to mark the coronation. Treat yourself to finger sandwiches, a warm sausage roll, cakes and pastries, all served with plain and fruit scones, West Country clotted cream, and Tiptree strawberry jam.
A trained tea sommelier will also help you choose from dozens of hand-picked tea blends which pair perfectly with these sweet and savoury treats. Available throughout May, it is priced from £33 on Saturday and Sunday, £31 Monday to Friday. Guests visiting on May 6 will be able to watch the Coronation at the hotel. To learn more head here.
8. Try the Coronation Quiche for the King’s Coronation in Birmingham
Will it turn out to be as beloved as Coronation chicken? Probably not. But the Coronation Quiche is still worth trying. You could try making it yourself with a recipe. But if you just want a stress-free Coronation Weekend then we suggest heading to The Woodsman in Stratford upon Avon.
On May 8, the restaurant (which is renowned for its passion for British produce and sustainable wild food) will host a special coronation BBQ from 1 pm – 6 pm. Visitors can enjoy delicious food including a Coronation Quiche, various meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes from the BBQ such as Cornish Sardines, Courgette, Aubergine & halloumi skewers, and a Venison Burger, along with various salads, and a choice of desserts. There is also entertainment throughout the afternoon from Vintage Ruby, a professional jazz, blues and swing singer. Tickets cost £35 per person and can be booked here.
9. Sing yourself into a free rum cocktail at Revolución De Cuba
How well do you know the national anthem? Well, Revolución de Cuba is giving
customers the chance to earn a free Pineapple Daiquiri (usually £8.25) if they can impress the bar staff with their rendition of ‘God Save the King’. Sing or hum, the choice is yours, just belt it out across the King’s Coronation weekend. Maybe practice once or twice before you head up to the bar!