ROYALISTS will be able to enjoy a wealth of events taking place across north Essex to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

For the majority of residents it will be the first coronation they have seen. 

And there are a number of events being put on to mark the historic day.

Colchester residents have been invited to enjoy a picnic in Upper Castle Park on Saturday May 6 from 10am until 4pm.

From 11.30am, a gun salute in will ring out across the park, commemorating the momentous day.

In the Culver Square shopping centre, giant Union Flag deckchairs will be laid out to celebrate the best of British.

The White Hart hotel and pub in Coggeshall will host a coronation party on the day with local rock band The Flying Hornets performing in a gazebo.

The Royal British Legion in Brightlingsea will offer tea and cakes and coffees whilst live streaming the main event on the big day.

And an enormous coronation picnic will be staged at Stanway Village Hall were attendees can enjoy live music from DJ Buzby, bouncy castles and rides.

There will also be stalls selling ice cream, popcorn, candyfloss, cakes and savouries, as well as refreshments, with plenty of space for families to enjoy a picnic.

Residents are encouraged to take their own food and drink to celebrate the historic day.

The Electric Palace cinema in Harwich will host a screening of the coronation on May 6.

The event is being funded by Harwich Town Council and while it is free to attend, bookings are required and tickets must be booked via bit.ly/3GXO5hA.

A party will also be held in Dovercourt High Street on the day.

In Wivenhoe, the bellringers at St Mary's Church will Ring for the King on Saturday May 6.

The church will be open from 10.15am and will have a live screening of the BBC coverage of the coronation.

A coronation picnic will be held inside the church or outside in the churchyard from 1.15pm.

On Sunday, May 7, the Ramsey War Memorial Hall will host a fun day for residents. Visitors will be able to enjoy a hog roast, have a go on a bouncy castle and enjoy live music from the Harwich Youth Theatre as well as nursery story time and games.

Visitors can also enjoy a live singer, a fire engine visit, mobile bar and refreshments and a prince and princess fancy dress competition.

The University of Essex will host a large outdoor picnic at its Wivenhoe campus on Sunday May 7 with the Students’ Union giving out 1,000 free royal tea boxes to students before then.

The Mercury Theatre in Colchester will host a family fun day on Sunday May 7 to celebrate the coronation. The event, which will run from 11am to 3pm, will be staged in the Mercury’s Piazza.

The free event will feature live music from local band JamJar as well as activities for children and adults including a bouncy castle, soft play area, giant garden games, arts and crafts and a dress up area.

There are also plenty of street parties for residents to enjoy including a big lunch and street party on Manningtree High Street, as well as a fancy dress disco event at the Greenstead local’s club, both taking place on May 7.

The Colchester Baptist Church, in Eld Lane, will be holding a special community lunch after its morning service.

Beginning at 11.30am, the lunch is a bring-and-share event, where residents are urged to bring their favourite foods to enjoy with their fellow churchgoers.

St Leonard's Church in Lexden will hold a special service at 9.45am on Sunday, May 7, to celebrate the coronation

After the service, the church is offering a free, light lunch for the community, with all welcome to attend.

A picnic and live music, including an open mic, will be hosted at the Colne Engaine recreation ground, as well as a picnic in the park at Mile End, both taking place on May 7.

Celebrations will also be held in Frinton and Walton on Sunday May 7, in Connaught Avenue in Frinton and Walton High Street.

And on Monday May 8, the bunting will be out in Mile End in Colchester for a Picnic in the Park as well as in the Welfare Park in Parkeston.