King Charles III Coronation Big Lunch

Sunderland is getting ready for a packed programme of events to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III next month. 

Among the celebrations will be The Big Coronation Lunch on Sunday 7 May, where a fun-filled afternoon of music, dancing and family entertainment will be taking place at Houghton's Old Rectory and throughout Rectory Park. 

A wide range of community groups from in and around Houghton will be coming together to provide entertainment and make the coronation weekend memorable. 

There will be music from Bethany Gospel Voices Choir and local singers Dawn and Leah Quigley, as well as a flash mob, circus performances and a fashion show. 

Visitors will also have a chance to get creative with a crown-making stall, take in a story at the story telling corner or have an interactive dinosaur experience. 

Kate Jowsey, Activities and Events Coordinator at Houghton Old Rectory said: "Here at The Old Rectory we are really excited to invite everyone to The Coronation Big Lunch. It's great to see so many community groups working together to create a fun day for the community. Our staff and volunteers have been working hard and we can't wait to see everyone using the park and having a good time." 

Cllr Dorothy Trueman, Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, said: "I am looking forward to celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with the Big Coronation Lunch in Houghton, the event brings us together to celebrate our community, its heritage, traditions, and culture, and adds another chapter to our story.  

"It reminds us of the importance of celebrating our local history and the places that hold meaning for us, taking pride in where we live and looking after it for the generations to come."  

Those attending are invited to bring along camping chairs and picnics for the Big Coronation Lunch or enjoy catering from one of the local food and leisure vendors selling tasty food and drinks.  

Coronation celebrations will take place all over the city and the celebrations will offer plenty for families to get involved in, including screenings of the coronation. 

Big screens will be showing the coronation live as it happens on Saturday 6 May at the following locations: 

• Keel Square in Sunderland city centre 
• Hylton Castle in Castletown 
• Rectory Park in Houghton 
• Barnes Park  
• Town Moor, East End 
• The Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington 

For more information on coronation events taking place throughout Sunderland, visit https://mysunderland.co.uk/king-coronation