CAMBRIDGE communities planning to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort are invited to bid for up to £500 to help cover the costs of events taking place between Saturday 6 and Monday 8 May 2023. The deadline to apply is 24 March.

The King Charles III’s Coronation Celebration Grants are available for community groups, voluntary organisations and groups of local residents planning to host events and activities over the weekend of the coronation. Events should be free for Cambridge residents to attend and groups must be able to demonstrate how they will ensure their event will be inclusive to people on low incomes or who are socially isolated.

The coronation ceremony will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey, with people across the UK and the Commonwealth coming together to celebrate.

The Coronation programme will include the procession and service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, and the ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ across the country on Sunday 7 May (with a concert taking place in Windsor in the evening). On Monday 8 May – the bank holiday – ‘The Big Help Out’ will offer an opportunity for communities to reflect on the legacy of His Majesty’s service, and showcase the impact of volunteering within communities.

Groups could apply for funding towards street parties; Coronation Big Lunches; Big Help Out events to celebrate volunteers; or other activities to help your community mark the coronation.

Full eligibility criteria and an application form are available online or by contacting the council’s grants team by emailing grants@cambridge.gov.uk or calling 01223 457875.

Completed application forms can be submitted at any time up until the deadline to apply, on Friday 24 March. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 31 March.

Cllr Mairéad Healy, Executive Councillor for Equalities, Anti-Poverty and Wellbeing, said: “Following on from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, the Coronation gives our communities another lovely opportunity to connect with neighbours and enjoy spending time together. We know there can be hidden costs that might make it more difficult for some individuals or community groups to plan for events like these – whether that’s insurance, printing, or buying catering supplies in bulk ahead of the event. We hope these £500 grants will mean more free events can be put on, so that everyone in Cambridge is able to join in the celebrations in May.” 

Anyone organising a street party is encouraged to check the council's guidance on hosting street parties. This includes information about applying for a road closure from Cambridgeshire County Council's traffic management team, and checking with Cambridge City Council about any licences you might need.

Anyone intending to run an activity on council-owned land must have permission from the council. You will need to submit a ‘notice of intent’ and should allow up to four weeks for a response.