GIVEN it was the first coronation the country has celebrated in 70 years, one might be forgiven for not quite remembering how to mark such an occasion.

But in Colchester on Saturday, pretty much everything which had been planned played out as well as it could have.

Gazette: Turnout – The crowds in Upper Castle Park decided to get out in the open rather than watch the coronation on TV Turnout – The crowds in Upper Castle Park decided to get out in the open rather than watch the coronation on TV (Image: Colchester Council)

The crowds turned out in good numbers, and the 21-gun salute seemed to go off without a hitch, even if the first firing did, as one might expect, give the crowd something of a jolt.

Gazette: Centre stage – Colchester High Street was well decorated for the coronationCentre stage – Colchester High Street was well decorated for the coronation (Image: Steve Brading)

Naturally, the great and the good of Colchester’s past and present were well-positioned for the salute, which was carried out by the Airborne Gunners.

Gazette: Regalia – Young Devon was well kitted out for the day Regalia – Young Devon was well kitted out for the day (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Colchester MP Will Quince, Colchester Council leader David King, Mayor Tim Young, and Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell were all in situ, among other dignitaries.

Mr King, who will continue to serve as council leader following Thursday’s council elections, later said the gun-salute was “a proud day for our country and for our community’s close relationship with 16 Air Assault Brigade and the Garrison”.

Gazette: Steady beat – Colchester City Pipes and Drums played plenty of old favourites after the gun salute Steady beat – Colchester City Pipes and Drums played plenty of old favourites after the gun salute (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

For the larger crowd which converged on Upper Castle Park, there was no big screen on which the crowds could view the ceremony, but when the forecast rain showers moved in at about 1pm, live pictures may not have been enough for people to endure the soggy conditions.

Gazette: Busy – Lion Walk was packed with plenty of activities taking placeBusy – Lion Walk was packed with plenty of activities taking place (Image: Steve Brading)

As the crowds dispersed, there was the distant yet unmistakeable tones of a pipe band, and sure enough, Colchester City Pipes and Drums made their way to the Castle Park bandstand, refurbished last year for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Gazette: Family Affair – Union Jacks were very much the order of the day on Saturday Family Affair – Union Jacks were very much the order of the day on Saturday (Image: Colchester Council)

There, they reeled off some of the classics: Loch Lomond, Highland Cathedral, and Scotland the Brave were all played out to the delighted crowds, who took shelter beneath the nearby trees.

The final send-off was the fly-over, with the Red Arrows zooming overhead as they made their way to London and Pall Mall.

Gazette: Rain stops play – the showers in the afternoon were not great news for the Dovercourt street parties Rain stops play – the showers in the afternoon were not great news for the Dovercourt street parties (Image: Steve Brading)

About 200 people lined up on the roadside near Colchester United’s football stadium to watch the flypast, though by that point the umbrellas were firmly out, with the poor weather meaning the final fanfare was scaled back.