Memorabilia, party essentials, and events to celebrate the Coronation

The build-up to the King’s Coronation is reaching its final days, and many are starting to think about ways to celebrate the big day.

Although the crowning itself is taking place on a Saturday, Brits have been gifted with a bank holiday the following Monday in honour of the event.

Those looking for souvenirs to remember the Coronation in years to come can shop memorabilia, with everything from plates, tea towels and tins to wearable items like brooches.

Many of the major supermarkets have also released special edition food and drink for the Coronation, so shoppers can enjoy an afternoon tea at home or a champagne toast to celebrate.

King Charles’s Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The ceremony will start at 11am and there will be ceremonial processions before and after the service.

The royals will travel to Buckingham Palace after the service and appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony in the afternoon.

Find a full guide to everything you need to know about the Coronation, from who’s invited to the schedule on the day.

Whether you’re celebrating the historic occasion at home or at a street party, you might be looking for memorabilia, merchandise, themed food and drink or gifts. We’ve rounded up all the best offerings for the Coronation below.

Many retailers have now released their Coronation merchandise, with some of the major shops supporting it with entire ranges of themed products.

M&S has some affordable options, including a Union Jack mug for £5, and an illustrated light-up cushion, while a set of three tea towels featuring the king’s guards come in at £12 from John Lewis.

For those looking for wearable items, luxury brands Harrods and Radley have both created bags especially for the occasion, while the Elgate King Charles III Coronation Ceramic Decorative Plate from Amazon is ideal for displaying.

Street parties are being planned across the country, while barbeques and garden gatherings are likely to be just as popular. Along with food and drink, there are plenty of places to get party decorations to dress homes and gardens in head-to-toe bunting and union jacks and fully immerse into the royal spirit.

Time is of the essence with the Coronation taking place this week, but luckily many of the options are still available in time to order for the bank holiday weekend.

Although the Coronation itself is likely to cost upwards of £50 million pounds, those who want to hold parties and purchase celebratory items don’t have to fork out, as there are themed products for all budgets.

With Brits likely to celebrate the Coronation by holding tea parties and buffets in the garden, supermarkets and department stores have created special editions of classic British food and drink staples.

Gin, sparkling wine and even a special Coronation edition of Pimms have all been created to commemorate the occasion and raise a glass to the new King.

The M&S Afternoon Tea hamper has everything you could need for a classic British experience at home, and the Snowdonia Cheese Coronation Basket would make a great addition to a party spread.

For the ultimate showstopper, Patisserie Valerie has created a rightfully regal sweet treat in the form of a towering cake made with strawberry filling, fresh cream and coated in meringue.

Brits looking to make the most of the two upcoming long weekends can choose to celebrate with a themed day out or activity exploring London.

For a sky-high view of the capital, the London Eye has launched a Coronation capsule, or visitors can enjoy a day out in London and Windsor with the Private Westminster, Whitehall and Windsor Castle Tour by Train.

Memorable and luxurious afternoon teas include the Royal Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Rubens, which is on the same road as Buckingham Palace.

Visitors of Madame Tussauds can encounter royals past and present at the Royal Palace exhibit, albeit stationary waxwork versions.

The Prime Minister announced that Monday, May 8, will be a Bank Holiday in the UK to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

There are many ways Britons can celebrate the occasion, including street parties and traditionally English days out. Anyone can hold a street party during the bank holiday weekend, but the organisers may need to apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order and fill out the Government application form on the local council website. A Temporary Events Notice may also be needed if the street party has music or sells alcohol. Therefore, a Coronation garden party could be a better option for small groups of people.

Food and drinks are the most important part and attendees are encouraged to bring a dish and drink to share. Some of the essentials include Coronation quiche, Victoria Sponge for dessert, and a jug of Pimm’s.

Britons can also celebrate with a traditional English day out, visiting the most iconic UK landmarks or meeting friends and family for a nice afternoon tea.

The London Eye has a Coronation-themed capsule where people can enjoy the most incredible views of the capital, and tickets for the royal experience are available online for £60.

Many hotels across the UK have special breaks during the Bank Holiday weekend and there are lots of Luxury London hotels and attractions you can book for King Charles III’s Coronation. The Hyatt Regency – The Churchill, in London, for instance, is offering the Special Coronation Break from £1,300. The exclusive stay includes access to the Regency Club Lounge and a one-night stay at the Regency Suite with a bottle of champagne and a Coronation dinner for two.