CELEBRATIONS are to be held in Colchester as part of King Charles III's coronation.
The coronation will be celebrated across the country and Commonwealth from May 6 to 8.
Colchester Council is encouraging residents to get involved in events and activities to mark the occasion including a picnic in Castle Park and a fun day at the Mercury Theatre.
Council leader David King said: “It will be great to see communities from across the city of Colchester come together to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in May.
“This is a momentous event in our history.
“A great opportunity for everyone to have time together, with friends, family and our neighbours.
“To get together and celebrate to mark an important national moment and to look beyond the Coronation to how me might as volunteers, help others.”
The proceedings will begin with Colchester’s Coronation Picnic in Upper Castle Park.
It will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday May 6.
Following this will be a 21-gun salute in Castle Park, to be fired at approximately noon as the King is crowned.
Giant Union Jack deck chairs will also be in Culver Square throughout the day.
On Sunday May 7, the Mercury Theatre will host a fun day from 11am to 3pm.
In addition, Colchester Castle, Colchester Town Hall, Mercury Theatre and Jumbo Water Tower will be lit up in a mix of red, white and blue.
The King and Queen Consort visited Colchester last month to mark it officially becoming a modern city as part of our Year of Celebration.
Colchester has had long links to royalty, from being granted the first Royal Charter in 1189 through to its current status as a saluting station.
As well as this, Colchester Garrison will fire its artillery to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, voluntary organisation Community360 will be asking residents to make a volunteering pledge at its city centre hub.
Not only does Community360 aim to celebrate existing volunteering, it also wants to encourage people and organisations to “do what you can” and commit to doing a bit more.
Further details will be available on Community360’s website later in the month.
Visit the Colchester City Council website to find out more information about celebrations and events.
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