Guernsey's Coronation Weekend Events Announced

The island will celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with a number of events across the long weekend next month.

At the start of May, the sovereign's title and powers will officially transfer to King Charles III.

As the Balilick officially proclaimed the King as its new monarch in September last year, a number of events have been arranged around the island to allow the public to properly celebrate and acknowledge the occasion.

Guernsey's senior politician, deputy Peter Ferbrache, says the occasion will be memorable:

“The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is a truly historic moment, especially for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, whose ties to the Crown are deeply rooted in our history and culture.

It was a great privilege to be involved in the Proclamation of the King last year, in the days after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ,and we saw in that period the great affection and loyalty Islanders felt for Her and for the new King.

I’m very pleased that Islanders will have lots of opportunities to mark the Coronation and take part in the celebrations being staged in Guernsey.”

Friday 5 May

A Vigil for the King will take place at the Forest Methodist Church at 7PM.

The service will explore the spiritual significance of the upcoming service and give islanders the opportunity to pray for The King and Queen Camilla  together.

Saturday 6 May

On the morning of the big day, a parade of serving and veteran military personnel with the Boys’ Brigade band and the island standards will march together - setting off from Fort George at 9.45AM. They will make their way to the Model Yacht Pond at the Castle Emplacement.

A live screening of the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey will be shown on a big screen at the KGV from 10AM-4PM - with family-friendly activities taking place at the site.

The Lieutenant-Governor and the Bailiff will be in London to represent the Bailiwick at the service. They will arrive with representatives of Jersey and the Isle of Man.

A 21-Gun salute will be heard from Castle Cornet around midday.

The Dean of Guernsey, the very reverend Tim Barker, deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, and deputy Peter Ferbrache at the KGV

Sunday 7 May

Islanders are invited to a special Seafront Sunday, where the Eat Drink and Be Local event will be joining up with the ‘Big Lunch’, encouraging people to share lunch together in a Nationwide act of celebration and friendship.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in the Town Church from 6PM.

The special Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle will be broadcast live on the big screen at the KGV. Islanders can enjoy the music from 6.30PM.

Guernsey is also taking part in 'Lighting up the Nation' - Castle Cornet, Fort Grey and Beau Séjour will be lit up in red, white, and blue.

Monday 8 May

On the bank holiday Monday, Islanders are asked to participate in the Big Help Out, a nationwide initiative to get people to volunteer. Anyone can contact the Association of Guernsey Charities, [email protected] to learn more.

All school-aged children in the Bailiwick will receive a commemorative Guernsey Coronation stamp in an official presentation pack, produced by Guernsey Post later in the year.

The Weighbridge mast will be decorated in Union Flag and Guernsey Flag bunting from 23 April until 28 May.