The vibrant city of Birmingham experienced a remarkable transformation as the sun finally emerged, casting its warm rays upon the much-anticipated coronation celebrations. The previous day’s relentless downpour had failed to dampen the spirits of the reveller, who joyously embraced the arrival of Spring sunshine on Sunday, May 7.
The day was officially designated as the Coronation Big Lunch, a momentous occasion that prompted the closure of approximately 50 roads spanning the city. From the southern region of Northfield to the northern districts of Sutton Coldfield and Erdington, these road closures facilitated a multitude of parties organized to toast the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Among the enthusiastic attendees was Preet Gill, the respected Member of Parliament representing Edgbaston. With immense pride, she took part in a vibrant gathering held in Wadhurst Road, an event that truly exemplified the richness and diversity of her constituency. “It’s absolutely wonderful to see so many of my diverse communities here,” she expressed with genuine delight.
“This gathering represents the very best of our country and the vibrant spirit of Edgbaston. We have individuals hailing from various communities—Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Irish—all coming together to celebrate this momentous occasion. It’s truly heartwarming to witness such active participation, where we remember the late Queen Elizabeth II, share our migration stories as part of the Commonwealth, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by these communities to our nation. And now, within their lifetime, they have the privilege of witnessing a coronation. It’s an absolute honor for me to be here.”
Centenary Square, a hub of activity, pulsated with excitement as the crowds reveled in a succession of captivating performances. The mesmerizing Chinese Lion Performance dragon dancers, the graceful Eloquent Dance troupe, and the spirited sounds of the Irish band “On the Sesh” were just a few of the highlights. The atmosphere was charged with an air of celebration as the warmest day of the year provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities. A massive turnout basked in the glorious sunshine, relishing both the warmth and the contagious joy permeating the air.
As the day progressed, anticipation grew for the evening’s Coronation Concert at the illustrious Windsor Castle. To ensure that no one missed out on this grand event, a large screen was set up, enabling the public to witness the spectacle. Additionally, the city had lined up an array of street parties to further extend the jubilant atmosphere into the following day—the Coronation Bank Holiday.
Meanwhile, the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, renowned for its regal history, elegantly hosted its own Coronation celebrations in the town center Parade. The picturesque streets came alive with festivity, adorned with local food stalls and picnic benches arranged in a quintessential street party fashion. Adding an extra touch of regal splendor, towering Beefeater stilt walkers commanded attention, while living statues impeccably portrayed the likenesses of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles. A vivid sight awaited onlookers as they encountered the living flower men, captivating figures entirely bedecked in an array of colorful blooms, with flower pots serving as their distinctive footwear.
The Royal Town buzzed with energy, drawing crowds that swelled to their peak at noon and continued well into the afternoon, even as the concluding events of the Coronation celebrations were approaching. The air reverberated with the melodious tunes of brass and steel bands, providing a lively soundtrack for the occasion and further heightening the festive ambiance.
In another corner of the city, the Great Birmingham Run, a highly esteemed half-marathon, took place. Participants, driven by their enthusiasm and the prevailing regal spirit, embraced the occasion
