Guernsey has announced a full programme of events taking place across the Bailiwick from 5-8 May 2023 to celebrate the historic coronation of King Charles III.

According to a press release, the weekend will include “a live showing of the coronation service on a big screen with family activities at the KGV (Playing Fields), a parade to the Model Yacht Pond on the Castle Emplacement, and the screening of the special coronation concert live from Windsor Castle.”  

Guernsey will also join in various nationwide activities including the Big Lunch, the Big Help Out, and Lighting up the Nation.

Chief Minister of Guernsey, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, said: “The coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is a truly historic moment, especially for the Bailiwick of Guernsey whose ties to the Crown are deeply rooted in our history and culture. 

“I’m very pleased that islanders will have lots of opportunities to mark the coronation and take part in the celebrations being staged in Guernsey.”

Below are some of the scheduled events:

Friday 5 May

Vigil for the King (7pm) – An opportunity to reflect on the themes of the coronation service and their spiritual significance, and to pray for The King and The Queen Consort. Taking place at Forest Methodist Church, Forest.

Saturday 6 May

Ring for the King (10am-11am) – Immediately before the coronation service begins, local bell ringers and specially recruited newcomers will ring bells at four churches – Town Church, Vale, Forest, and St Pierre du Bois. 

Coronation Parade to the Model Yacht Pond – A parade of serving and veteran military personnel with the Boys’ Brigade band and the island standards will march from Fort George to the Model Yacht Pond at the Castle Emplacement.

This event will start at 9.45am at Belvedere, Fort George, followed at 10.15am by the march off to the Model Yacht Pond via Le Val des Terres and South Esplanade.

The Coronation Service Live Screening (10am-4pm) – A live screening of the coronation service at Westminster Abbey will be shown on a big screen at the KGV. Alongside the screening there will be family activities themed around the coronation, including vintage games, coronation crafts, information displays, and royal fancy dress.

Coronation 21-Gun Salute – A 21-Gun salute will be fired at approximately 12 noon as part of the national salute. 

Sunday 7 May

‘The Big Lunch’ (10am-4pm) – Islanders are invited to the St Peter Port Seafront where the ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Local Seafront Sunday’ will be joining in the ‘Big Lunch’, encouraging people to share lunch together in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the Coronation (6pm)- A celebration in word and music of the Coronation and its significance for the Bailiwick of Guernsey at Town Church, St Peter Port.

The Coronation Concert Live Screening (6.30pm-9.30pm) – The special coronation concert at Windsor Castle will be broadcast live on the big screen at the KGV with bar and refreshments.

Lighting up the Nation – Lighting up the Nation will see iconic locations lit up around the British Isles. In Guernsey, Castle Cornet, Fort Grey, and Beau Séjour will be lit up in red, white, and blue.

Monday 8 May

The Guernsey Big Help Out – Guernsey will be participating in the ‘Big Help Out’, a nationwide initiative to give everyone the chance to help in our local communities. 

In the Bailiwick, a wide spectrum of voluntary organisations will be invited to offer opportunities for everyone to join in. It will be an opportunity to help do something amazing. Join in. Lend a hand. Make a change.

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We’re very pleased to announce a jam-packed programme of events in Guernsey to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III from the 5th – 8th May 👑

To read today’s media release and for the full list of events and other information visit https://t.co/AWX9Sl9RQd 🇬🇬 pic.twitter.com/NXKR2gg0wg

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) April 6, 2023

More details can be found at www.gov.gg/coronation.