12th Nov 2024
This Saturday sees the rare coronation of a UK Monarch, as King Charles III is officially crowned in front of an expected audiences of 100s of millions across the world. It’s the first coronation since Queen Elizabeth II’s in June 1953 – almost 80 years ago to the day. You can be assured, these are rare events.
A lot has changed in those 80 years. In 1953 there were just over 2 million TV sets in the UK, which meant one TV screen for every 17 people!! And considering it was the world’s first globally televised event, those living rooms were bursting at the seams. Today, our options are almost limitless and whilst sitting on your smartphone will keep you in touch with events in Westminster, there are better ways to experience it.
This coronation will be remembered for the big picnics. Communities coming together in community parks to enjoy a moment in history around a big screen. Luckily for residents in Linmere, there are some great options in our vicinity, including the 5 events we’ve gathered for you here, all with plenty of activities for families to while away the afternoon, once the coronation is complete.
01 Join the neighbours – Houghton Regis Village Green
Just 1.5 miles from the Farmstead, Houghton Regis Town Council is putting on a proper day’s celebration, starting at 11am. Enjoy the coronation from a large screen and while away the afternoon with Ukulele bands, Maypole Dancing, face painting and a screening of Paddington the Movie at 3pm – a fitting family favourite to celebrate a uniquely royal event. Food and refreshments will be available, whilst brining a picnics is recommended.
The Village Green, next to Redhouse Court, Houghton Regis, LU5 5GZ
1.5 Miles – 5 min’s drive
More details available here.
02 A day in the garden – Priory Gardens Dunstable
Just 3.5 miles from the Farmstead you can enjoy the coronation in Priory Gardens, in the grounds of the impressive Dunstable Priory. Starting from 9am, with the coronation being shown on a giant screen, visitors can enjoy on-site catering and an outdoor bar. There will also be free activities for children, including crazy golf, arts & crafts, a circus workshop, stilt walking, face painting and a whole lot more. Again, bring a picnic, the family and friends and enjoy the day at your own leisure.
33 High Street South, Dunstable, LU6 3RZ
3.5 Miles – 9 min’s drive
More details available here.
03 Dawn to dusk – Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard
11 hours of entertainment on the lawns of Parson’s Close recreation ground. Starting with a big screen viewing of the coronation, followed by Victorian Time Travellers (theatre), family film screenings – The Lion King at 3pm and Matilda at 5pm. Ring in the evening with live music from the Heath Band at 7:30pm and see out the night with fireworks at 9pm. Again, bring a picnic and the right clothing to see you through the day and evening.
Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1AD
10 Miles – 18 min’s drive from the Farmstead
More details available here.
04 Around the village pub – Coronation on the Green – Caddington
The small village green, neighboured by the popular pub The Chequers, Caddington offers a venue to enjoy the coronation, with an intimate atmosphere and a pub at close quarters. Following live screening of the coronation, see out the afternoon with live bands, kids’ activities, train rides, food stalls and a DJ set. Caddington is quickly accessible from M1 Jct 10 and only a few minutes drive from the Farmstead.
The Green next to The Chequers Pub, Dunstable Road, Caddington, LU1 4AF
5 Miles – 13 min’s drive from the Farmstead
05 Coronation at the Cathedral – St Albans
The closest you’ll get to being there, without being there. The full ceremony will be screened in the Cathedral from 10am in the nave, followed by a bring-your-own-lunch and cash bar in the grounds of the cathedral. You can while away the afternoon around St Albans market, the beautiful George Street, enjoy arts & crafts at the city centre museum and enjoy evensong with the Cathedral choir from 5pm.
St Albans has restricted car parking, with multi-story car parks located close to the city centre
15 miles – 24 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead
More details available here.
Linmere is designed to be a place for communities that embraces the natural environment, and where all generations can enjoy a great quality of life. This exciting new collection of leafy and walkable neighbourhoods, situated north of Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, located close to M1 Junction 11a. Nestled into verdant surroundings, its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021. The Land Trust will maintain and preserve these spaces on behalf of Houghton Regis Management Company.
