West Dorset is in for a bank holiday packed with coronation celebrations to look forward to.

The big event itself takes place today at 11am and people are marking the historic occasion with a host of events across the bank holiday. 

Here is a list of local parties and celebrations taking place in West Dorset:

Bridport:

All bank holiday weekend:

  • Coronation Afternoon Tea at Symondsbury Estate will be available to book 9am to 4pm and will feature a variety of coronation teas and treats.

 

Saturday, May 6 - 

  • Martin's Bar and Restaurant, Highlands End Holiday Park, Eype will be holding a coronation celebration from 9am to 9pm with live music from Nina Garcia, a themed menu and a coronation trail for the children.

 

  • The Allington Hillbillies will be holding a free event from 6.30pm to 10.30pm at Cooper's Field, Allington Hill. It will feature entertainment from DJ HandJam, Chris Deacon, the Bridport Young Performers along with lantern-making and even a bonfire.

 

  • For those looking to get away from 'the pomp and celebrate your own sovereignty' Grow Slow Nursery, Farm Shop & The Pack Horse Cafe will be hosting an Alternative Coronation from 10am to 9.30pm with calm vibes, drop-in art sessions and vintage vinyl from 4pm. 

Sunday May 7 -

  • St Mary's Church, Bridport will hold a civic service at 10am.
  • There will be a Coronation Proclamation at Bucky Doo Square at 11am and the Millennium Green will be open for picnics at 2pm.
  • West Bay Pirates Day at West Bay will take place from noon featuring live music, craft stalls and games.

At 10pm there will be a Royal Fireworks display.

  • Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury will be holding a make-your-own Coronation Crown event on both Sunday and Monday from 11pm to 3pm. It is £2 for crown materials and profits will be donated to the Prince’s Trust.

Monday, May 8 -

  • From Street to Sea 5 is a mass little litter pick in Bridport taking place as a part of the Big Help Out. It starts at 10am at the Co-Op, Morrisons or Waitrose car parks, or the Black Hut on East Pier in West Bay.
  • The Bull Hotel will be holding a Coronation Garden Party featuring the musical talents of Emmy and The Swing Things. Free entry and it starts at 12pm until 2.30pm.

Beaminster: 

The big celebration for Beaminster town will take place on Sunday, May 7 from noon at the Memorial Playing Fields.

There will be a barbecue and bar, run by Beaminster Cricket Club, a cake stall from the WI Beaminster, teas and coffees organised by Beaminster Pre-School along with live music and a fantastic Skate Jam hosted by Camp Rubicon.

Lyme Regis: 

May 6 - 

  • The Baptist Church will be serving Coronation Cream Tea from 3pm to 6pm in aid of Cancer Research UK. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

May 7 -

  • Coronation Service at St Michael’s Parish Church, 11am.
  • Lyme Regis Town Band will then be performing in the Marine Parade Shelters from 1.30pm.
  • The Big Coronation Party will also be held on Sunday, May 7 at the Lyme Regis Football Club from 3pm to 10.30pm. Local bands performing include We Funk, Under the Radar, Jess Upton and the Guilty Pleasures, Ghosts and more. There will be lots of free kids' entertainment including Rexy the Dinosaur and Mad4Animals with an outdoor bar for the adults.

May 8 -

  • Lyme Regis Coronation Fete will be held at the Anning Road playing field from 1pm to 4pm. It will feature bouncy castles, an inflatable wipeout, a display from mountain bike athletes, Lyme Regis Majorettes, Curtain Up and FitSteps with Sarah. There will be plenty of food and drink with stalls from local groups.