A fund to help communities celebrate the coronation of King Charles lll has proved popular in Stafford Borough.

Stafford Borough Council launched the King’s Coronation Fund earlier this month to enhance events and street parties to mark the historic occasion.

The one-off £6,000 pot was available to parish councils on a first come, first served basis.

All the parish councils were invited to apply for up to £300 to support the staging of an event or party linked to the coronation of King Charles lll - with a requirement to add their event to the official coronation calendar (link no longer available.)

Now at least 15 parish councils will be using the fund for decorating village halls, cream teas, music and children’s activities - such as face painting and craft workshops. 

The borough council has also waived the normal fee to close roads for residents and community groups who wanted to put on street parties over the early May Bank Holiday weekend - with more than a dozen applications received.

Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said she was pleased the parish councils had taken the opportunity of applying for money to enhance their events for the public.

The Coronation ceremony for His Majesty, King Charles lll, takes place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey. Over the weekend there will be initiatives such as the ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ across the country, and a concert at Windsor in the evening, on Sunday (7th). And there’s the ‘Big Help Out’ community activity on the following day - Bank Holiday Monday.

Councillor Beatty said: “We know there are events being organised by our fantastic community with families, friends and neighbours coming together to celebrate the first coronation of a monarch in 70 years.

“Parish Councils are at the heart of their communities, often running a variety of events for others to enjoy, and I’m pleased they will be able to use this extra money to enhance whatever they are organising to mark this important occasion.” 

Advice on organising a street party can also be found from the Government’s website.

Borough residents wanting to advertise their local events can do so at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/submit-event

Press Release No 6016