People across Northumberland came together to mark the Coronation of King Charles III during a unique bank holiday weekend.
The county saw 111 community groups celebrate the historical occasion thanks to funding from Northumberland County Council’s Coronation Community Fund.
Non-profit community and voluntary groups, schools, local charities, parish and town councils and churches were awarded up to £500 to host events and activities including fun fairs, picnics, litter picks, crafting, barbeques, quizzes, dances and planting events.
Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives at Northumberland County Council said: “There have been so many fantastic celebrations taking place in the county through our community groups, who do so much for our residents, and I am so pleased that as a council we were able to give them something back through our Coronation Fund.
“They’ve created such positivity and creativity for friends, families and their communities making our county such a wonderful and vibrant place to be.”
Libraries up and down the county live streamed the Coronation ceremony along with children's craft activities ranging from crown making, colour-in bunting and activity sheets and special story time sessions.
In partnership with Alnwick Castle, the County Council hosted a special large screening event which was also supported by additional funding from the UK Government funding through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with the county's local heroes - those making a positive difference to communities through volunteering being honoured in their own ceremony before the main event.
Guests enjoyed picnics in the majestic setting of the Castle while watching the ceremonial events unfold throughout the day including The King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace, the 11am Westminster Abbey service and The Coronation Procession, culminating in the Royal Family appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
“I am pleased that through our partnership with Alnwick Castle we were able to put on this special occasion and it made me immensely proud to see our Northumberland local heroes honoured in such a significant way.
“Alnwick Castle is one of Northumberland’s finest destinations and a special place to mark their contribution to our communities.
“The whole weekend has truly been one to remember” said Councillor Watson.
Communities celebrated in a number of ways across the weekend and have been sharing their get togethers via the council’s dedicated Coronation website www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk
A Coronation party in the park was held at Wark-on-Tweed and bunting made by children at Holy Trinity School for the Coronation is on display at Coronation Park in Berwick.
Bellingham Primary School created decorations, a party cake and celebrated with picnics, games, crafts and challenges.
Headteacher, Wendy Goddard said; “Our school were successful in receiving a grant from the Northumberland Coronation Community Fund, so we went to town on decorations and party cake - thank you!
“It was lovely to see our school grounds full once again with happy families and friends, including our pre-school children. We've shared picnics, games, crafts and challenges and, of course, cake.”
The Northumberland District Cadet Voice at TS Tenacity at Ashington sea Cadets saw 50 cadets come together to enjoy a Coronation party including quizzes, bingo, a disco and a BBQ.
Hub libraries at Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington, Hexham and Morpeth featured a reading of the book ‘In Our Hands’ by Newcastle-based author and illustrator, Lucy Farfort, which was chosen by Northumberland Libraries to mark the Coronation by reflecting the themes of diversity, youth and sustainability.
There were children and their families involved in Coronation activities at the library in Blyth, with bags of seeds being given out to encourage the planting of more greenery around the area.
The hub libraries have also mounted special displays of photographs, press-cuttings and other memorabilia highlighting the county’s links to previous Royal Coronations in partnership with Northumberland Archives.
Celebration pictures and thoughts from across Northumberland can be found at www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk