Royal Tunbridge Wells is proud to be one of only four towns in the United Kingdom to have been granted the ‘Royal’ prefix. To celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and our Royal history, the town will be decorated in red, white and blue. Over 50 flags, 3km of bunting and 140 plaques will adorn the length of the town.
It’s going to be a Right Royal Weekend in Kent…
Saturday
On Saturday 6 May, His Majesty the King will be crowned as part of a ceremony at 11 am. King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. For the last 900 years, the ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey, London and is conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
To celebrate this historic day in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre, you can expect over 20 family fun entertainment stands including Royal themed shows, street theatre, arts & craft stands, music performances, costumed characters, photo opportunities, games and TV screens to watch the big day.
These activities will stretch from Market Square on Camden Road, through the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and Calverley Road, in the Amelia Scott, down Civic Way, in Calverley Grounds, along the High Street and Castle Street, through Chapel Place, all the way to the Pantiles.
Weather Update 05/05/23
Well it wouldn’t be a British celebration without some rain showers! If any of our planned events need to move inside, this is where they will be!
Market Square Events: Inside the Food Hall of Royal Victoria Place
Calverley Precinct Events: Inside Royal Victoria Place
Amelia Scott Storytelling: Inside at the Children’s Library
Local & Live Bands: Performing inside The Bedford Pub
Castle Street Street-Theatre: Inside Cassidy’s Pub
Chapel Place Selfie Stations: Inside King Charles the Martyr
Calverley Grounds: Seating for the Live Screening of the Coronation will now be under cover
Watch the Coronation Ceremony in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Grab a picnic from one our delicious local eateries, sit back and relax in Calverley Grounds where a large screen will be broadcasting the ceremony and Coronation Procession.
For families, enjoy traditional garden games such as Splat the Rat, Jenga or Hook a Duck as well as the opportunity to try your hand at some Circus workshop skills!
You can also watch the ceremony from the Pantiles bandstand or in the Church Hall of King Charles the Martyr, alongside craft activities.
Panto Fun on Camden Road in Market Square
Join in the community Panto ‘The Prince has lost his crown’! and make your own badge with the team from Arty Farty Retreat.
In and Around Royal Victoria Place
In the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre you will find a Royal show, right royal selfie station and themed face painting!
Just outside Royal Victoria Place, you will find Tunbridge Wells very own royalty brought to you by Once Upon a Wish Events, as well as a King Charles speed painting challenge. Remember to look up… the spectacle of Best of British Stilt is in town and dressed for the occasion in red, white and blue.
Family Crafts and Concerts at the Amelia Scott
The Amelia team have organised a fun-filled day of drop-in family activities. Dress like royalty and make your own crown to wear as you explore the festivities.
Get creative with paint-your-own Coronation souvenirs or create your own personalized clay stamp to commemorate this special day. Follow the Coronation trail and discover lost Royal objects from the collection.
At 13:30 pm the Coronation of King Charles III will be announced by a special declaration from the Town Cryer and the Deputy Mayor. This will be followed by the singing of the National Anthem to honour the new King.
Local & Live will be playing music from the Amelia courtyard and in the beautiful Upper Atrium. Enjoy live music as you soak up the royal atmosphere.
Fine Grind will also be offering a very special Afternoon Tea deal, fit for a king or queen. You can indulge in a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the beautiful courtyard.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Royal heritage of our town and view the objects being displayed especially for the Coronation. Did you know a bull fight was hosted in Tunbridge Wells for King George III’S Coronation, or that there is a pair Queen Victoria’s Knickers at The Amelia Scott?
Boogie up and down Mount Pleasant, the High Street and Chapel Place
As you hop around the town, spot the costumed characters, selfie station stops and musical entertainment.
Join in a giant community drawing outside Christ Church, in the High Street and leave your mark on this special day. Look out for jugglers, clowns and mime artists as well as the Royal Guards who will be standing to attention by your throne!
Market and Royal Fun in the Pantiles
Visit the bustling Pantiles market and stroll through the local food and artisan stands. The Coronation ceremony will be displayed on the bandstand along with a set of children’s activities and a Royal selfie station.
Don’t miss this exclusive display of the King’s Bronze in the Beumee Gallery (tickets required).
The Chalybeate Spring is also due to reopen with our very own Tunbridge Wells water…
Please view the Right Royal Weekend leaflet here for full details of events across the town, show times and activities. All activities are free unless stated!
Why not end your day at the TW Forum and dance your way back to the 90’s!
Sunday
Sunday has been declared as a day to share friendship and connections within your community. Why not bring your friends or family together over a delicious meal in one of our many eateries in Royal Tunbridge Wells and beyond?
Sit back and relax in the Pantiles while enjoying the buzzing atmosphere of the weekly market and the Coronation concert displayed live on the bandstand.
What better time to gather around an afternoon tea? Treat yourself to something very British and very delicious – traditional afternoon tea! Find our top recommendations here.
Or hop on board the Spa Valley Railway and rush through the trees and Kentish countryside as you feast on a 3 course Sunday Roast.
Monday
For one day only, the historic Assembly Hall Theatre is being turned back into a dance hall for a special Coronation Tea Dance. The Postmodern Jazz Cats trio will transport you back to the glitz and glam of the roaring 20’s to War time 40’s and swinging 60’s. So put your dancing shoes on or sit back and enjoy the show with cakes, Pimm’s and bubbly. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a quick lesson of Lindy Hop!
As we all await the celebration, prepare for the party… To celebrate the occasion, the businesses in the town and wider borough of Tunbridge Wells have stocked up on celebratory bunting and flags, memorabilia, and party ware!
More Coronation celebrations across Tunbridge Wells
Why not make a weekend of it and explore Tunbridge Wells? Here is some more inspiration for a weekend getaway like true royalty… For information about events across the borough view our events calendar.
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