On Saturday 6 May, the Coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, will take place in Westminster Abbey. A Coronation is an event which increasingly few of us will ever have witnessed. I often hear mention from older residents who recall the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II when having a television at home was rare and many who recall the purchase of a TV for the occasion. The black and white footage still emphasises the solemnity and pageantry of the rituals that are centuries old. There is much symbolism and importance to the event, and I am sure for many of us it will be something we will want to watch, and the streets of London will be lined with those wanting to be part of this important moment in our nation’s history.
At the centre of the Coronation will be the Coronation Stone which we know as the Stone of Scone or the Stone of Destiny, which has been used for centuries in the inauguration of monarchs. The Stone has been in Edinburgh Castle since 1996 and is visited by millions of people each year. The Stone will leave Scotland for the Coronation in May and will have a central role in Westminster Abbey. The Stone will of course then, in due course, form a central part of the new Perth Museum in the redeveloped City Hall. It is very much hoped that it will attract visitors from all over the world to come to Perth to visit the new museum and to then spend time, and money, in other parts of Perth and Kinross which will bring a very welcome boost to the economy. The fact that it will have been the focus of an event broadcast around the world so soon before it is due to be placed in Perth is very significant and will bring a boost.
With the Coronation on the Saturday, Sunday 7th May is an opportunity for communities to get together and celebrate with lunches, street parties and the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. I understand that Perth and Kinross Council can offer advice to anyone looking to arrange a local event who may wish a local road closure or similar. On Monday 8th May the day is being marked as The Big Help Out. The idea of a day when communities can come together, on a Bank Holiday, and arrange volunteer events such as litter picks, community tidy ups or similar events is fantastic. We saw the spirit of community across Perth and Kinross during COVID when people got together to ensure those who needed support got it and it would be a great opportunity for community groups to promote what they do and encourage people to get involved. Even if you are not a supporter of the Royal Family the events in May will give everyone an opportunity to enjoy spending time in their community and the opportunity to mark this weekend with friends and neighbours which I am sure will be welcomed.
