Despite the drizzle at the start of the celebrations for crowning of King Charles III here is a snapshot of how Southwark marked the occasion, including one TRA who made their very own ‘royal balcony.’
Maypole Tea Party in Gipsy Hill
MP Helen Hayes was among the cheery faces dancing around the Maypole at a tea party celebration at Christ Church in Gipsy Hill.
The event kicked off with a screening of the coronation, followed by a sit down for ‘copious amounts’ of tea and cake.
‘Miss Maypole’, Donna Maria, said: “It really was fantastic – everybody was in high spirits. All ages took part.”
“And then it was topped off with the big finale of everyone dancing around the Maypole,” she continued, “It was a real moment for the community.”
Rocking Royal Balcony at a Kennington estate
To hail the new king, the Brandon Estate hosted a punk rock party – with music, dancing and royal waves.
Residents were treated to “fabulous” live music from the glam punk group, The Priscillas – who attracted fans from far and wide, including someone who flew in from New Jersey to watch them play.
Also rocking out in their union jack attire were mod rising stars, The Molotovs.
The committee surprised guests with their royal balcony where the Mayor of Southwark made an appearance. Tom Lloyd, TRA chair of Brandon 2 said: “Someone sewed that together in 24 hours.”
“The event was absolutely magnificent – we had about 500-600 people passed through. It just goes to show what a bit of investment in Maddock Way could do.”
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King of the Castle Square
To toast His Majesty, Elephant’s Castle Square hosted an event with food, face painting, and live music.
Guests were treated to the vibrant sounds of a brass band – who played for families throughout the day. They also enjoyed a sing-along of their own.
Family Fun Day at Bermondsey baby bank
Before heading off to the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, Bermondsey hero Kathy Heather hosted a family fun day for locals.
Outside her baby bank and food pantry in Slippers Place – which Kathy runs with other volunteers from Love North Southwark – there was a bouncy castle and face painting, along with a pie and mash stand.
“It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and getting ready for the coronation weekend,” she said.
The union jacks were flying on the ‘most patriotic estate’
In true flag-waving fashion, the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey didn’t hold back for this national event – and hosted a party complete with 200 metres of bunting and 60 union jacks.
Chris Dowse, part of the TRA team who helped organise the event said the day ‘couldn’t have gone better.’
“Thankfully we decided to have the party on Sunday which meant the weather was perfect,” he said.
“Our little estate community, family and friends came together to party and celebrate a new king for the first time in our lives.”
Mariachi Madness on an Elephant and Castle estate
Dodson and Amigo Estate in Elephant and Castle celebrated the coronation with a party – and treated guests to the sweet sounds of Mariachi México Canta.
Cllr Maria Linforth-Hall joined in the fun and said: “It was a fantastic day. The mariachi band was brilliant.”
