People across the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday 6 May. Here are some ways to mark this historic occasion, along with more information, details of funding and deadlines for applications.
Community groups and projects are being encouraged to apply for funding through the National Lottery Awards for All programme. The awards themselves don’t have a deadline but it can take up to 12 weeks from the point of application submission to receiving funding. This means that the deadline for applications from community groups for the Coronation weekend is mid-February. Funding for projects that will make a difference to communities are available from £300 up to £10,000. To find out more and make an application visit - How to get a grant for up to £10,000 | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)
From helping a local group to joining some of the UK’s best-known national charities, The Big Help Out on Bank Holiday Monday 8 May will give everyone the chance to get involved. If you’re organising events on the day, you can share opportunities to volunteer and register your events. And if you’re looking for something to support, The Big Help Out website will have a list of ways you can lend a hand in your neighbourhood from 20 March. To find out more visit – https://thebighelpout.org.uk
If you’re planning a traditional street party which requires a road closure, the deadline is Friday 24 March. Alternatively, you can hold Street Meets which will not require a road closure but still offer a chance for your street to get together and celebrate. To apply for a street party visit – www.solihull.gov.uk/About-Solihull/organising-street-party - where you will also find useful tips, advice and support. Please note that the deadline for all other road closure applications is 12 weeks before the closure.
The Coronation Big Lunch on 7 May encourages communities to come together, celebrate their connections and get to know each other better. It will bring the Coronation festivities into the heart of every community. To find out more and register for a Free Coronation Street Big Lunch pack full of ‘ideas, inspiration and top tips’ visit - https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-coronation-big-lunch-form
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, Cllr Diane Howell, said: “Many of our residents will want to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and organise activities in their communities. Please make sure that you are up to speed with national and local information – there are lots of useful tips to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable weekend. And please don’t miss the deadlines – applications to the National Lottery Awards for All need to be in next week and applications for road closures need to reach us by 24 March.”