With a rich history that dates back to the Iron Age, modern day Wimbledon has evolved into one of London’s most desirable boroughs and home to one of the world’s most famous tennis tournaments.
Alongside the array of green spaces, retail facilities and cultural venues in Wimbledon, our tight-knit community is well-established. With the upcoming Royal Coronation and May Bank Holidays, residents in Wimbledon will have even more opportunities to get together with their neighbours and take part in community activities happening across the area.
What’s On?
This May, tens of thousands of Coronation Big Lunches and street parties will be held in the UK and Commonwealth across the Bank Holiday weekend. Like much of the country, Wimbledon will host a number of street parties, many just a short walk from the fantastic instructions currently on our books. If you’re looking to find out more about your local parties, Coronation lunches, festivals, virtual concerts, afternoon teas parties, head to the official Coronation map here.
For those throwing their own street party, a whole host of tips and tricks can be found on The Street Party website,* including advice on how to manage the planning stages, ideas for ways to decorate the streets and games and music to play on the day. With thousands of people expected to take to the streets in celebration on May 6th, it is set to be a lovely, community-spirited weekend and a great chance for people to come together.
Community Celebrations
For those looking for larger celebrations, head down to Wimbledon Village on Sunday 7th May to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
Soak up the Coronation Bank Holiday atmosphere with a walk through the Village which will be festooned with Union Jack flags and decorated with royal-themed windows.
A special programme of activities will be taking place on the day, meaning visitors can browse the stalls at our fabulous Farmers Market, watch ‘Charles’ and ‘Camilla’ ride down the High Street whilst enjoying wine tasting and food from special Coronation menus. For children, crown making, and face painting will be on offer and live music will be played throughout the event. Whether you want to drop by for a few hours or spend the whole day, there’ll be plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Local landmark the Wimbledon Windmill is hosting a special parade and event on Sunday 7th May. Part of the nationwide event which will see iconic buildings lit up across the country, visitors will marvel at the spectacular illumination of the Windmill where two processions will culminate. Following the parades, a candlelit celebration will be held with performances by St Mary’s choir and other local performers.
Find out more: https://www.wimbledon-village.com/event/coronation-celebration-at-the-windmill/.
To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation, Monday 8 May is a nationwide ‘Big Help Out’ Day and Wimbledon and Putney Commons are taking part.
Head down between 2pm – 4pm to join your neighbours for a community litter pick – and the opportunity to meet Wandle the Womble!
More details can be found at: https://www.wpcc.org.uk/things-to-do/events/profile/the-big-help-out-day-litter-pick.
For those eager to soak up the royal spirit in central London, you can watch the Coronation processions and service in Hyde Park, The Green Park or St James’s Park, where the day’s events will be shown on large screens. Find out more here.
Alternatively, why not host your own Coronation-themed celebration at home and invite your neighbours? A great way to get to know your local community, games like “pin the crown on the King” or a royal quiz will bring light-hearted entertainment to any party. Little ones can get crafty with some Coronation baking or biscuit decorating.
*Please note that applications for street parties in Reading have now closed.
