This weekend the Royal Parks have a huge role to play in the Coronation. Months have been spent on preparations, including the cleaning of statues and monuments in the parks, the removal of bollards and railings along the ceremonial route, the planting of 2000 marigold bulbs in the flower beds and borders and re-seeding of grass areas.
In terms of the weekend itself, points of note are:
- On Saturday 6th May, The Mall’s distinctive ‘red carpet,’ lined with union and Commonwealth flags will host the outgoing King’s Procession and incoming Coronation Procession.
- Big screens in Hyde Park, The Green Park and St James’s Park will broadcast the procession and Coronation service live. Volunteer Rangers from The Royal Parks will be on hand at the screening sites to assist the public with queries.
- On Sunday 7th May, there will be a free live screening of the Coronation Concert in St James’s Park.
- On Monday 8th May, as part of The Big Help Out, The Royal Parks are hosting a special volunteering opportunity in The Green Park. Volunteering veterans and newcomers alike are invited to plant a selection of native wildflowers, covering the area of the floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The flowering plants will create a lasting tribute and provide vital food for foraging insects. A selection of blue and purple flowers will be planted in a river-like formation to mark where the River Tyburn once ran through the park. To sign up, visit the Royal Parks Big Help Out webpage.
For further information on the Coronation in the Royal Parks visit: www.royalparks.org.uk/coronation