In May 2023, the coronation ceremony for His Majesty the King will take place, following his accession as monarch. The Coronation weekend, including an extended bank holiday, will take place from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May, providing a wonderful opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate the milestone.  

What Coronation events are taking place in Basingstoke and Deane? 

Love Basingstoke has pulled together below a handy guide of events and activities taking place across the borough, also keep your eyes peeled on the Love Basingstoke website What’s On and social channels for updates. 

The Vyne 
See how many crowns you can find in the grounds at The Vyne on its Coronation garden trail. There should be 74 in total, one for each year of His Majesty King Charles III’s life. Or count the portraits hidden around the house on the Coronation House Trail. Both trails run from 6 May until 4 June so you can also enjoy it over the school half term break. On Monday 8 May between 12 and 3pm you can join the big picnic on the North Lawn. 

The Malls 
On Saturday 6 May you can enjoy the Britannia Stilt Walkers around The Malls and kids will love making crowns and coronettes at their free make and take workshops. 

Milestones Museum
Enjoy a royally good time at Milestones during Coronation weekend as they put on 1950s themed activities - the era of King Charles III's childhood. Discover more about coronations of the past and view vintage vehicles from Basingstoke Classic Car Club on the green.

The Kings Wardrobe - High Street Safari trail
Take part in the free, High Street Safari story trail around The Top of the Town for the King's Coronation. This May, visit all of the King’s friends and see what they suggest he wear for his coronation (spoiler alert, they are not all very sensible), complete mini-challenges, try on the items yourselves and take selfies with them on. When you’ve met all 10, you can see the fully prepared King in augmented reality and download a free children’s book of the story’s conclusion. Taking part in the trail is simple. Visit each of the 10 locations dotted around the Top of the Town and scan their QR codes with your phone.

Community events 

We’ve listed the community events below we know of based on location so you can find one closest to you. Keep checking back as we will continue to update this list.

Basingstoke Sports and Social Club
Celebrate King’s Charles’s Coronation on Sunday 7 May with plenty of fun activities for everyone including bouncy castles and games, Greek Street, BBQ, Kites of Wessex sword fighting and to finish Johnny Marvels will be performing for you in the evening.

East Woodhay and Woolton Hill 
Coronation celebrations will take place at Woolton Hill Recreation Ground on Sunday 7 May. Enjoy a Coronation Cake competition, the Best dressed King competition for Primary School children, Hogroast and East Woodhay Silver Band. 

Kingsclere 
Coronation weekend celebrations in Kingsclere beginning with switch on of Jubilee lamp on 5 May, followed by a Coronation Party at The Fieldgate Centre on 6 May. There will be a Coronation Cream Tea at the Village Club on 6 May and The Big Village Picnic on 7 May 2023.  

Melrose Community Hall 
Celebrate between 2pm and 5pm in the car park of Melrose Community Hall where you’ll find a selection of food from around the Commonwealth, bouncy castle, entertainment and street games. Tickets are £5 per person. Pre-booking by 22 April required. 

Overton 
There will be a Coronation Food Fest outside Overton Community Centre on Sunday 7 May between 12noon and 5pm. You'll find food, drink music and children's activities.

Rucstall
You'll find a street party at Rucstall Social Club and Community Centre on Monday 8 May. Expect food and drink, stalls to purchase items and lots of fun activities for the children, guess the teddy, tombola, hook a duck and much much more, including a free bouncy castle.

Sherborne St John 
Coronation Day events at Sherborne St John Social Club will take place on Saturday 6 May, starting at 10.30am with live screening of Coronation on a large screen, bacon rolls, tea and coffee, family games and competitions, lunch and a Frank Sinatra tribute band. Entry is free for members and costs £1 for non-members. 

Tadley 
Join the Party on the Green with Churches Together Tadley to celebrate the Coronation. Includes a big lunch and a fete and family fun day. 

Upton Grey 
A weekend of celebrations in the church meadow including a Barn Dance at 6.30pm on Saturday 6 May and a Big Lunch with bouncy castle on Sunday 7 May. 

Viables 
Viables Community Centre will be holding an afternoon tea to celebrate. There will be games and activities for children and a lovely mix of scones and cakes for all to enjoy. Free to attend but you’ll need to book a ticket in advance. 

Want to get involved together with your community to celebrate the King’s Coronation but don’t know where to start? 

Street parties are a great way to have fun, meet and get to know your neighbours. If you are looking to host an event of your own this May, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has created guidance for street parties to give you an idea of things you need to consider when planning a street party, including information on responsibilities and advice on how to organise events safely. The deadline for Coronation street party applications has now passed. 

To find out road closures for street parties visit Basingstoke Borough Council's website.

Celebrate at home

If you'd prefer to celebrate at home, The Parlour Tea Rooms are offering their traditional cream tea boxes for collection on both Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May. These will need to be preordered via their website.

Blog created April 2023, updated May 2023