People across the Horsham District are being invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King over an extended weekend of free special events from 6 to 8 May, courtesy of Horsham District Council.
Throughout the Horsham District, Coronation street parties, Big Lunches, and a day dedicated to good causes will bring communities together over the special Coronation Bank Holiday weekend as we mark this important day in our nation’s history.
The fun starts for younger people on Friday 5 May when Bensons Mini Funfair makes a popular return to Horsham Park with a selection of rides throughout the weekend until Monday 8 May.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May sees Horsham town centre spring to life with a feast of celebrations and live entertainments.
On Saturday 6 May you can bring out your pet pooches to Horsham’s West Street to take part in a Royal Dog Competition from 9am to 5pm.
The Capitol Horsham will be screening the Coronation live on the big screen on Saturday 6 May from 11am. They will also screen a special broadcast of Her late Majesty The Queen’s Coronation on 2 June 1953. Both screenings are free.
Horsham’s Carfax will be showcasing Majestic Markets throughout Saturday and Sunday, hosted by West Street Entrepreneurs and Food Rocks, featuring live music, local produce, refreshments and children’s activities galore.
On Sunday live performers will be entertaining the crowds across the town, including in Piries Place, The Carfax, Market Square, West Street, and Horsham Museum and Art Gallery. There will be live music, dance and street theatre, street performances, children’s activities and more, including roaming ‘royal palace guards’ who are happy to pose for photos. Look out for additional refreshments, such as from a vintage double decker bus bar, a whole host of community stalls, as well as a broad programme of live music on the bandstand from 12noon to 9pm that’s sure to get people dancing.
Crafts and a free children’s trail will be available at the Horsham Museum and Art Gallery from 6 to 8 May inclusive, 10.30am to 3pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy the Museum garden from 12noon to 1.45pm on Sunday when Quartet Band 'Fortune Strings’ will be playing Britpop with a unique orchestral twist. They will also be found at other times playing in West Street and Market Square.
Horsham District Council has launched a new grant as part of the Coronation celebrations. A Big Help Out Grant up to £250 is awarded to a local voluntary, community, or not-for-profit organisation to support Big Help Out activities that aim to increase the number of volunteers getting involved locally.
- The Big Help Out starts on 8 May 2023 in celebration of the King’s Coronation weekend.
- Activities can take place on 8 May or beyond, during 2023.
Find out the full eligibility criteria for the Big Help Out and apply online.
See what local opportunities for the Big Help Out are available on our website by searching ‘Big Help Out’.
Horsham District Council has offered each Parish and Neighbourhood Council up to £200 towards the cost of their Coronation celebration and is delighted at the response, with 22 parishes receiving support. Events include live screenings, street parties, cream teas, live music, family fun days and games, Coronation picnics, a Vintage Revival day, and more. Check out what’s happening near you.
For more information about all the activities district-wide, please visit our Coronation webpage.
For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .