News

Get ready to delve into Royal history this May as the Coronation is celebrated across the Borough!

Tuesday 18 April 2023

As the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort fast approaches, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce that fabulous facts and footage of the Royal Family and their key links to the Borough, will be showcased at a number of local presentations and talks.

The historic Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place on Saturday 6 May at 11am at Westminster Abbey.

Council has prepared a fantastic line up of events to celebrate this amazing occasion - ranging from the big-screen broadcasts to community grants and activities for local schoolkids.

And on the build-up to this momentous time in history, MEA Council will take you down memory lane and look at the history of previous Royal events in the Borough.

‘Talking of the Coronation’ will take place on Tuesday 2 May at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church Hall, Castle Street, Ballymena. This nostalgic event will showcase Royal memorabilia, look at the local history of previous Royal occasions in the Borough and include storytelling from members of Dalriada Legends.

The event will feature Dalriada Legends storytellers – Colin Urwin and Janice Witherspoon, Mr. David Scott on Royal Memorabilia and Dr. David Hume MBE on Royal events of the past with footage from the Northern Ireland Film Archive of Royal occasions – this is one event not to miss!

Then on Friday 5 May at 7.30pm in Whitehead Community Centre, Whitehead you can sit down and enjoy footage of previous Royal occasions from the Northern Ireland Film Archive, delve into the local history of previous Royal occasions and listen to wonderful storytelling by members of Dalriada Legends.

Featuring: Dalriada Legends storytellers – Janice Witherspoon and Sharon Dickson, Dr. David Hume MBE on Royal events of the past and footage from the Northern Ireland Film Archive of Royal occasions – this is the perfect chance to reminisce before the big day!

These are drop-in events, no booking necessary.

Council’s Coronation Working Group have organised a host of fun-filled events and activities to celebrate this milestone including lighting up of key buildings in the area, the planting of Coronation-themed floral displays, the rollout of special colouring books, tree-planting and the rollout of commemorative coins to local children.

Members of the public are also invited to take part in The Big Help Out on the Bank Holiday Monday, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.

Further details will be made available in due course, with updates posted on our Coronation page and on Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.