Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III was announced as England’s new head of the monarchy, however he is yet to be properly crowned! In fact, his coronation date is set for Saturday, May 6. And in typical British fashion, we’ll even get an extra bank holiday that Monday (May 8) to prolong the festivities. Everyone’s getting in on the action, with special afternoon teas, screenings, events, and more. So, to make the most of the long weekend, here are the most royal ways to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in Manchester.
1. Watch the Coronation on the big screen
Big screens will be available in public places across the UK to show the Coronation, giving people the chance to come together with their local community and celebrate this historic moment. Visitors and locals can watch a live broadcast of the ceremony on May 6 at Piccadilly Gardens as well as the Coronation Concert on May 7. Screenings of the coronation on May 6 (all of which are free to attend) will also take place at the likes of the stunning Manchester Cathedral as well as Parliament Square in Oldham.
2. Feel like a king or queen at the brick-tastic fortress LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
For a fun, 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 9:30am to 12:30pm on May 6 and 7 and cost £25 per ticket.
3. Indulge in an afternoon tea fit for royalty
20 Stories
Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar, 20 Stories are launching a special afternoon tea to celebrate King Charles III Coronation alongside a live music set taking place on May 7, on the weekend of the monumental event. In partnership with Grey Goose, 20 Stories resident DJ, Rich will be playing a very special set with a range of beats including soulful house, disco and everything in between providing you with the perfect place to celebrate the Coronation.
A special Coronation Afternoon Tea is also set to launch from May 1, as well as over the bank holiday weekend, with a selection of exquisite finger sandwiches and carefully created canapés including Cucumber and Cream Cheese on White Bread, Coronation Chicken on rustic Onion Bread, Devilled Egg Vol au Vent with Avruga Caviar as well as several homemade plain and fruit scones served alongside a stunning Chocolate and Raspberry Marquise, a seasonal Rhubarb Custard Tart and Victoria Sponge.
The Lowry Hotel
The iconic five-star Manchester hotel is offering plenty of treats fit for any King or Queen! Think caviar served on ciabatta vibes! The Coronation Afternoon Tea, priced at £27.50 per person, includes a selection of traditional sandwiches, all with a luxury twist, including an egg-mayo royale complete with smoked salmon & caviar on ciabatta, a perfectly British coronation chicken wrap, a peppered Bavette steak brioche slider served with a potato crisp, parmesan mayo and rocket, and finally a fresh mozzarella and sun blushed tomato, avocado and radish wrap.
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy a selection of sweet treats including a Gariguette strawberry and crème brûlée tart, a Grand Marnier soaked carrot cake gateaux, and finally a white chocolate, pistachio and raspberry torte. Finally, no afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, the only question is…jam or cream first? The Coronation Afternoon Tea will be available at The River Restaurant throughout the month of May from Thursday to Sunday, and can be upgraded to a Champagne or gin afternoon tea for £37.50.
4. See Diana like never before in this untold and untrue story
Fancy something a little bit different to celebrate the King’s coronation in Manchester over the bank holiday? Aside from street parties, one way for Mancs to mark the royal occasion is by attending a special performance of a regal comedy like no other. After having sold out venues across the UK, a performance of Diana: the Untold and Untrue Story, is coming to Manchester this May and is set to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III.
5. Enjoy a movie marathon at King Street Townhouse
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in style with an exclusive movie marathon of beloved British classics at King Street Townhouse taking place across the bank holiday weekend. Kicking off with Skyfall and Bridget Jones on May 5 followed by Paddington on May 6, then Bean, King’s Speech on May 7 and finishing with Sherlock Holmes and Great Expectations on May 8. As these timeless classics transport you to another world, you can indulge in food and drink brought straight to your seat- from popcorn to shrimp po boy sandwiches, loaded fries to flatbreads.
6. Attend a Coronation Big Lunch or street party
There will be a host of Coronation Big Lunches and street parties to celebrate the occasion across Greater Manchester for everyone to get involved in. Oldham council has announced a special festival in Oldham Town Centre on May 6 to celebrate the crowning of the new king. You’ll be able to enjoy live entertainment as from local performers on a stage outside the Old Town Hall.
On May 7, between 11 am and 4 pm, The Big Coronation Lunch will take place outside Leigh Town Hall, where you can bring your own picnic or enjoy the treats on offer from local traders. Plus, the Mayor of Wigan will host a Coronation Party in the Park on May 8 at Mesnes Park featuring a royal selection of family entertainment, games, fun fair rides, food stalls and much more. Find a Coronation Big Lunch near you here.
7. Tuck into a royal feast at these Manchester spots
Bill’s
Eat like a King all Coronation weekend as Bill’s takes on British classics including the ‘King’s Chippy Tea’. A nod to the old fish & chips, this crispy fish goujon burger with lemon mayo, crushed peas and pickled red onion is sure to get the pinky’s out and cups of tea a flowing.
Guests can finish off the feast with our quintessentially delicious and oh-so-creamy ‘A Right Royal Mess’. Complete with strawberries, blueberries & crushed meringue with white chocolate mousse and warm white chocolate pieces, this dessert will have you feeling worthy of a crown by the end of your meal. Plus all Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and King Charles Spaniels can be treated like royalty with gifted treats from Denzel’s Premium Rewards range, when their owner enjoys a main during either breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Asha’s
From May 1 to May 7, Asha’s will join the commonwealth in celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III, as they invite guests to dine like a King. Relax in opulent settings, and raise a glass to this iconic moment in history while enjoying a special Coronation menu.
A feast fit for royalty, ‘The King Emperor’s Platter’ will feature a lobster, served in its shell, with Kerala chilli, garlic prawns, chicken malai kebab, aloo tikki, lamb chops, vegetable samosa and makhani sauce. The platter is designed to be shared by two, for £150, and is complete with a luxurious bottle of Moët & Chandon.
8. Get crafty for the Coronation at Trafford Palazzo
Trafford Palazzo has announced a weekend of crafting events to celebrate the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III. Craft sessions will run throughout the main event space in Trafford Palazzo with local artist, Kate Crafts encouraging children to make their own crowns and take them home to wear throughout the Coronation to create a momentum from the truly special day.
A throne fit for a royal will also feature at Trafford Palazzo from now up until May 9, creating the perfect British photo opportunity with guests encouraged to share their image across their social media channels to be in with a chance of winning a family pass to King Pins, which is set to open at Trafford Palazzo in Summer 2023. Crafts will take place on May 6 and 7 between 12pm and 4pm.
9. Raise a cup to the King with these tea-inspired cocktails
YOTEL’s ground floor bar MOTLEY will be raising a cup to King Charles (and an extra day off work…) with a fun take on a beloved British institution – creative cocktails inspired by all things tea. From ‘Spill the Tea’, made with Indian Spiced Rum, Elderflower, Passionfruit & Tea, or ‘Peach Please’, a refreshing burst of Gin, Peach, Fresh Mint and Tea, the limited edition menu will run all weekend long to kick off the bank holiday in style. MOTLEY’s special tea menu will see drinks topped off with Coronation cocktail toppers sure to please any Love Island fan – declaring that a new bombshell has entered the villa…or palace!
10. Celebrate with music, cocktail and croissant specials at Albert’s Schloss
Named after a royal, there’s no better place to raise a toast to the three-day weekend in celebration of the King’s Coronation. From lunchtime on May 1 until May 6, you can enjoy a unique Coronation themed take on Albert’s Schloss’ signature Kroissant Royale. This special edition includes Coronation chicken, picked onions, fresh chilli and coriander served in the perfectly fluffy haus-baked kroissant sandwich with curry mayo, served with a choice of fries or haus salad.
Albert’s Schloss has also paired with quintessentially British gin brand, Beefeater, curating delectable cocktail specials, available from May 5 to May 8 and you can choose from the likes of Clover Club, Vanilla Gimlet or a Long Negroni. To top off the Coronation weekend in Manchester, you can marvel at the most wünderbar performers across Albert’s Schloss’ weekend programming; Friday Frolich, Pleasure Palace, Sunday Service and Back to Mein. Expect live singers, haus bands and DJs blasting out your favourite tunes.
11. Head to King Street for a quintessentially British market
Over the coronation bank holiday weekend, King Street will host a quintessentially British market inside 35 King Street which will aim to bring Manchester together to enjoy food, drinks and the arts in celebration of this monumental occasion. The proceedings will include 20 stalls by local artisans and makers alongside gallery spaces showcasing the work of a range of local artists as well as activities for all of the family including face painting, crown making workshops and egg and spoon races.
A number of food and drink specialists will also be pitching up for the weekend, offering a selection of the King’s favourite drinks plus Charles-inspired eco-friendly, British grown, organic and seasonal foods. There will be twists on some family favourites including; a Manchester Tart gin cocktail, ‘Tipsy Tea’ and slushy iced teas for children. A selection of classic British tipples will also be on offer from speciality gins right through to Bloody Mary’s.
King Street’s take on traditional high tea will also feature in truly British fashion served alongside a selection of cakes, cucumber sandwiches and crumpets, with vegan options also available. Plus, a large art piece will also be created live in the window of 35 King Street which will provide the backdrop for a photo opportunity from the truly memorable weekend.
12. Party like royalty at Great Northern Warehouse
Ready for a right royal treat? Alex’s Bakery is offering indulgent Coronation cupcake boxes that are perfect to share with the whole family. Available to purchase at the Manchester store or order now, these delicious cupcakes are adorned with royal red, white and blue icing, making them the perfect addition to any Coronation spread. For a more traditional take on the celebrations, enjoy dainty sandwiches, including classic ham and cheese and tuna mayonnaise, and a selection of scones and cakes as part of Alex’s Bakery afternoon tea available in store throughout the Coronation weekend.
To commemorate the most regal of bank holidays, Pong & Puck has created an exclusive King Charles Froze Cocktail – made with raspberry daiquiri, pina colada and margarita containing blue curacao for a layered red, white and blue effect. Available on May 6 and 7 for just £5, this icy drink is the perfect way to celebrate amidst the warmer weather (fingers crossed!) To coincide with the Coronation Bank Holiday weekend, Pong & Puck is also throwing a celebration fit for royalty with the launch of new, Malibu Beach Club.