Over 8,000 Newham residents took part in one or more of the 129 events which took place across every postcode of the borough to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Nearly 120 events and street parties took place, organised by community groups who had successfully applied for a grant from Newham Council’s King’s Coronation fund. The Council also laid on events including library displays, seven free neighbourhood parties and Newham’s own ‘Big Help Out Festival’ to celebrate the contribution of volunteers to the borough.
Community events and street parties were supported by a grant of up to £500 from the King’s Coronation Fund, to enable residents to come together and mark the historic occasion. It resulted in a unique series of celebrations that bought to life the borough’s heritage and diversity – and connection to the Royal family. A partnership between Newham Council and the Eden Project meant alongside direct funding there was also free training and support to help residents to organise their own celebrations.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said, “This has been an extraordinary weekend where we as a borough have come together to celebrate. The Coronation of King Charles III was a historic moment and a fantastic opportunity to reflect on our history as a nation – and what we can achieve through the strength of community.
“The ‘Big Help Out’ was a brilliant moment to celebrate the contribution of our volunteers in Newham who have made such a difference across our community.”
Councillor Charlene McLean Cabinet member for Resident Engagement and Experience said: “Many of our residents have been amongst the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis, making it very hard to afford to organise events to mark this momentous occasion. It is absolutely right that the Council has stepped up to support the community with grants and free events, so they could join the national celebration.
“The atmosphere across Newham has been joyful, and has allowed people, many of whom suffer from social and financial isolation, to get together, make new friends and forget, just for a little while, the stresses of everyday life. It’s been wonderful to see over 4,000 of our residents joining in, getting out and about and strengthening community bonds.”
Alongside the community run street parties, Newham’s Neighbourhood Teams organised seven neighbourhood parties in Custom House and Canning Town, Green Street, Beckton and Royal Docks, Manor Park, Plaistow, Forest Gate and Stratford and West Ham.
On Monday 8 May, the Council organised Newham’s ‘Big Help Out’ festival in Central Park as part of a national day of events to celebrate the contribution of volunteers. The festival began with a ceremonial tree planting by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Kim Bromley-Derry and Mayor Fiaz, maintaining the tradition of the borough planting a tree for each new monarch.
At the festival, the main stage was hosted by Ashley J from CBBC, there were performances from local artists including Dhol Academy, Drum Works, DJ Dom Servini, Folk Dance Remixed with family entertainment including craft activities from Patch Larks and Momtaz Begum-Hossain. Away from the main stage, there was a marketplace where voluntary organisations showcased their work and those attending found out more about volunteering opportunities in the Borough.
During the ‘Big Help Out’, prizes were given to the winners of the borough’s Primary and Secondary Schools King’s Coronation Competition. In the Primary Schools competition, pupils had designed a Crown that reflected the diversity of the borough while in the secondary competition, pupils were asked to write about what monarchy meant to them. The winners were Abiade from Curwen Primary School, Plaistow and Sarah from Plashet Secondary School, East Ham.
The borough’s Coronation celebrations continued with a Newham favourite, a Royal Themed Tea Dance at the Old Town Hall Stratford on Tuesday 9 May. The packed event saw over 120 residents enjoy tea and refreshments as they danced the Tango Waltz, Cha-Cha and Quick Step.
Dance partners Cindy and Graham from Stratford are tea dance regulars, but especially enjoyed the Royal events.
Cindy said; “I think it’s lovely to get people together, I haven’t stopped dancing all weekend. I absolutely love it and it’s been very special for me, a chance to interact with other people and have fun – it builds up friendship and family.”
Graham, who used to volunteer as a Samaritan said: “It’s not just about a dance and a free tea, it’s a brilliant opportunity to improve mental and physical health which is so important.”
