Published: Friday, 24th March 2023
Oldham Council is gearing up for the biggest Coronation celebration in Greater Manchester – with a tribute to the best of British music.
Street parties will be taking place across the borough as families and friends come together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
£100 grants have been released for 100 lucky street party organisers and plans are currently being developed to ensure it’s a weekend of fun for all the family.
There will be a town centre festival taking place in Oldham on Saturday 6 May with a big screen to watch the Coronation live from London, with a fun line up of the 'Best of British Music' tribute acts including Queen II, Gladness, Do It Like DUA, The Threetles, & Tania as Amy Winehouse. Plus a whole host of family-friendly activities and strolling street performers.
The Coronation takes place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, followed by a live concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May - with acts still set to be announced. A Bank Holiday will then be held on Monday 8 May, when people will be encouraged to volunteer as part of the national "Big Help Out."
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said:
"The Coronation is set to be a fantastic weekend of celebration across the country and here in Oldham we’re going big – we want residents to come together to mark such a momentous and memorable occasion.
“May 6th is going to be a special day as our new King and Queen Consort are crowned, so I am delighted that we are hosting a bespoke event in the town centre to celebrate. So bring your friends and family along, celebrate the monarchy and to listen to some amazing British tribute acts.
“We're hosting a special festival in Oldham Town Centre on Saturday 6 May; where people will be able to watch the Coronation on a big screen, watch and listen to the live entertainment as a range of local performers have been invited to perform on a stage outside the Old Town Hall.”
Districts across Oldham will be dressed for the occasion, and local ward members and community groups will be kept up-to-date on celebration plans for the local areas.
The Coronation Big Lunch website is also full of good ideas for making parties go with a swing - more information is online Coronation Big Lunch website
A National Day of Volunteering will also be taking place on the bank holiday Monday, 8 May. More details are available on the Big Help Out website
The application deadline for Coronation Street Party grants will close is 11 April 2023 or when the 100 grants have all been assigned, whichever comes first.
District centres will also be dressed for the occasion, with bunting being provided to businesses close to the Coronation weekend, to allow them to dress their windows and join in the festivities.
More information will be available soon, so keep an eye out on Oldham Council’s social media channels for updates and even more acts.