The Melksham area community came together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III over the bank holiday weekend, with events that included over 500 schoolchildren taking part in a royal crown photoshoot, Melksham Town Council’s celebration in the park, village fundays, street parties, the Community Big Lunch, a royal photography exhibition, and the illumination of the Town Hall.
The day before the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, 519 children from eight schools in and around Melksham gathered at Forest & Sandridge School playing field to form the shape of a royal crown and jewels (pictured above).
The schools taking part were; Forest & Sandridge School; The Manor School; Seend C of E Primary School; St. Mary’s CE Primary Broughton Gifford; St. George’s C of E Primary School, Semington; Melksham Oak; Aloeric Primary School; and River Mead School. Organised by Forest & Sandridge School and Melksham News, photographs were taken to record the memorable event.
Fantastic experience
Vice principal at Forest & Sandridge School, James Mead said, “It’s a fantastic experience for us and it was amazing to be able to get so many different members of the community and local schools in as an event and we really hope it will stick with the children forever as a memorable occasion.”
On coronation day, Saturday 6th May, Melksham Town Council organised a picnic in the park for the community to enjoy, with a confetti battle, entertainment, fancy dress competition and stalls. Children enjoyed fairground rides, and a visit by children’s characters Peppa Pig and Marshall from PAW Patrol.
The coronation ceremony was screened in the Adventure Centre, for those wishing to stay tuned with the events taking place in Westminster Abbey.
Although the persistent rain proved a challenge for picnics in the park, those who attended were determined to enjoy the experience in true British spirit. One expectant mother, Charlotte, revealed the name of her baby to family and friends, by painting her bump in a union flag with the baby’s name.
Heart-warming
Melksham’s Mayor cllr Simon Crundell said, “I was absolutely delighted to see so many people come out and celebrate at the coronation event in King George V playing field, despite the rain. The sense of community spirit was truly heart-warming and it was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time together. It was a truly memorable occasion and a testament to the resilience and positivity of our community.”
Other coronation events which took place in and around Melksham over the weekend included at the Foresters Arms who held a well-attended barbecue with a bouncy castle and face painting and a street party on Pembroke Road, organised by Queensway Chapel.
A Coronation Big Lunch was also held at Melksham Assembly Hall on Sunday, which provided singing and entertainment. Coronation celebrations in Semington saw villagers enjoy a Soap Box Distance Challenge, a performance by NJ Dance and face painting.
