9 min read2023 is shaping up to be a monumental year and one that will go down in history. That’s because on Saturday 6 May 2023 we’ll be able to witness the crowning of a new monarch, which is a once in a generation occurrence and a hugely significant moment in our country.
To celebrate we’ve been given an extra bank holiday on Monday 8 May so that everyone celebrating can have a right royal knees up or celebrate like a true king or queen.
Here in Greater Manchester, we know a thing or two about throwing a celebration fit for royalty. So, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in Manchester, or simply need some inspiration to help you make the most of the long weekend, look no further.
Here is a roundup of the best events taking place across Greater Manchester for this most regal of Bank Holidays:
Afternoon Tea
What could be a better way to toast the Coronation of a new monarch than a traditional cream tea? Enjoy a pot of the finest tea, scones, cakes and dainty sandwiches this Coronation weekends and you’re sure to feel like royalty. Some of our top picks include decadent hotels like The Midland Hotel, Hotel Gotham, The Library at The Edwardian Manchester, The Lowry Hotel and Dakota Manchester, for an afternoon tea that will leave you feeling like a crown jewel. You can also try the offering at The Refuge in their stunning Winter Gardens, or Manchester Art Gallery for a more cultured offering. Plus, Richmond Tea Rooms provides a magical Alice in Wonderland themed offering, with five different afternoon tea menus to choose from.
Image: Afternoon Tea after cycle hireFor an afternoon tea with a difference, Didsbury Cycle Hire will pack you up with an afternoon tea picnic to enjoy in one of Manchester’s stunning green spaces. Rent one of their retro bikes and enjoy taking in the stunning scenery of Manchester, then settle down for the perfect picnic brought to you by the award-winning French patisserie Bisous Bisous and ethically minded tea and coffee company Worker Bee of Manchester.
Lego Kings Coronation party
For a brick-tastic family celebration to mark the King’s coronation, head down to the LEGOLAND Discovery centre at Trafford Palazzo. Like any good party you’ll find a DJ, balloon modelling, face painting a magic show and mocktails. Grab a free crown and feel like a king or queen as you meet LEGO mascots and enjoy all of the fun of the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre including rides, 4D cinema and more. Party sessions are available from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May and cost £25 per ticket. Learn more.
Buy Memorabilia at Selfridges
To mark the coronation of King Charles III, Selfridges will be offering the best of British food and wine, alongside coronation memorabilia, live music and specialist afternoon tea. Selfridges is a quintessentially British shopping experience, and so, it seems fitting that they’ll be putting on a fanfare to celebrate the coronation. Discover everything from afternoon tea flavours and sweet treats to union jack bunting and decorations – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark the King’s coronation with our range of coronation decorations and gifts. Rejoice in the lead-up to the 6th of May and collect memorabilia that will go down in British history. Discover collections filled with the Sovereign’s Orb, royal ermine, the crown and more. Learn more.
Coronation festival in Oldham Town Centre
Oldham Town will host one of the UK’s big screens so that communities can gather to watch the event together. The screen will be located in Parliament Square, Oldham and will broadcast the Coronation Ceremony live and celebrate together in this free public event.
Oldham council have announced a special festival in Oldham Town Centre on Saturday 6th May to celebrate the crowning of our new king. You’ll be able to watch the Coronation on a big screen as well as enjoy incredible live entertainment from local performers on a stage outside the Old Town Hall. The line up includes a range of “Best of British Music” tribute acts including Queen II, Gladness, Do It Like DUA, The Threetles, & Tania as Amy Winehouse. Enjoy family-friendly activities and strolling street performers as Oldham is pulling out all of the stops to make this festival fit for royalty.
Watch the King’s Coronation on a big screen in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens
On Saturday 6 May, come together in Piccadilly Gardens as the historic crowing of King Charles III will be shown on a big screen. As one of the many big screens in public places across the country, the screen in Piccadilly Gardens gives you the opportunity to come together with your local community and celebrate a moment in history. The city will be celebrating together, and you’re invited to join the party. The screen will be live broadcasting the Coronation ceremony on Saturday 6th May and the Coronation Concert on Sunday 7th May. This is a free and public event, just turn up and join in.
Watch the Coronation at Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral will also be showing a live screening of the Coronation of King Charles III, so you can watch this historic event surrounded by the grandeur and beauty of this grade I listed church. It will be like you’re at Westminster Abbey yourself. The Dean of Manchester is inviting the local community to come together and watch the action live including the build-up, the Coronation ceremony and the King’s Procession. Entry is free and doors will be open from 9:30am after morning prayer.
Coronation Market King Street
From Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May, Manchester’s King Street will be celebrating the Coronation with food, drink and the arts. Hosted inside 35 King Street, the King Street Coronation Market will include 20+ stalls by local artisans and makers as well as gallery spaces and children’s activities including crown making workshops and face painting. Expect food with the best of British ingredients, twists on traditional cocktails and festive tunes to help you celebrate in a royal fashion.
Coronation Weekend at RHS Bridgewater
This bank holiday weekend, to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, RHS Garden Bridgewater are putting on a celebration fit for royalty. Explore the regal gardens accompanied by live music performances from Blackley Brass Band and The Untold Orchestra. It’s no secret that our new King loves nature, and with springtime here, there’s never been a better time to surround yourself with wildlife. There will also be bunting making workshops so you can help decorate the gardens in a royal fashion that the new King would be proud of.
Albert’s Schloss Coronation Weekender
Raise a toast to the three-day weekend and the crowning of a new king at Albert’s Schloss Manchester. The venue, which is inspired by royalty, will be offering special coronation theme cocktails, delicious food specials from its alpine inspired kitchen and a weekend of live entertainment fit for a king (or queen). Albert’s Schloss has paired with quintessentially British gin brand, Beefeater, curating delectable cocktail specials priced at just £10 each, available from Friday 5th to Monday 8th May. There’s only one place to go if you’re looking for delicious drinks accompanied by live singers, the haus band and DJs all weekend long.
The Big Coronation Lunch Leigh
On Sunday 7 May between 11 am and 4 pm, The Big Coronation Lunch will take place outside Leigh Town Hall. Bring your own picnic or enjoy the treats on offer from local traders, but please remember alcohol is not permitted. This afternoon of fun and feasting will also feature local performers, funfair rides and much more for all ages to enjoy.
Wigan’s Coronation Party in the Park
To help you make the most of the extra bank holiday in Wigan, the Mayor of Wigan will host a Coronation Party in the Park, on Monday, May 8, at Mesnes Park. With a royal selection of family entertainment, games, fun fair rides, food stalls and much more this is the opportunity to celebrate history in the making with your loved ones.
Glossop Music Festival
On Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May, Glossop Music Festival returns to bring high-quality classical music to the area. Formed 10 years ago, this staple of Glossop’s Cultural calendar could be the ideal way for you to mark the coronation of a new monarch. Fill your weekend with beautiful orchestral sounds. What an appropriate soundtrack world-class classical music will be to such an historic event. Enjoy family-friendly, candlelight or late night concerts as well as community choral workshops and a stunning closing concert at All Saints Parish Church in Old Glossop.
Afternoon tea at Billingtons
On Saturday 6 May, Billingtons Oldham will be hosting a signature afternoon tea accompanied by the broadcast of the King’s coronation. This is a once in a lifetime event, and one that’s best enjoyed with delicious sandwiches, sweet treats and tea. Afternoon tea costs £17.95 and can be booked in advance or walk ins will be accepted.
Sample The Garden Party Cocktail at Dakota Manchester
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The luxury Dakota Hotel in Manchester is launching a limited-edition cocktail, ‘The Garden Party’, in celebration of the King’s Coronation.
The perfect way to raise a glass to His Majesty, The Garden Party is fresh and fruity – featuring Pimms, Yellow Chartreuse, Rose Syrup, lemon, and Frais de Bois, finished with a soda top.
Zesty and vibrant, the cocktail is inspired by the three garden parties hosted by the Sovereign each year at Buckingham Palace. A twist on the Royals’ favourite summertime tipple – a classic Pimms – and with a nod to the famous rose garden beloved by the monarchy, this cocktail is certainly fit for a King!
Exclusively served from Saturday 6 May until Monday 15 May, The Garden Party is available for a limited time on Dakota Manchester’s al fresco Terrace.
To view more events across Greater Manchester visit our What’s On Page.
For more inspiration of things to do in the city-region, view our blog.
To view the official list of Coronation events in your area including street parties and volunteer opportunities visit the King’s Coronation website.
