Bridport and the surrounding area is looking forward to an extended weekend of celebrations to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

A number of events will be staged in and around the town over this coming Bank Holiday weekend, with Bridport also set to take part in the national Big Help Out campaign on the Bank Holiday Monday, encouraging volunteering in local communities. 

Saturday, May 6

Bridport Market will be going ahead as usual as the King is crowned on Saturday, May 6, open throughout the day with stalls in East Street, West Street, Downes Street and South Street. 

The town crier will make a proclamation of the coronation in Bucky Doo Square at 11am.

Meanwhile celebrations will be getting underway at Highlands End Holiday Park in Eype, with live TV coverage all day and a theme menu with afternoon tea and special drinks, a children's coronation trail, free soft play, royal quiz and live music from Nina Garcia.

See the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/1216580665897638/

If the coronation isn't your thing, Grow Slow nursery and cafe at Broomhill Farm will be holding an Alternative Coronation throughout the day, including drop-in art classes, vintage vinyl music vegan coronation curry other food options.

See the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/507991658163947

Bridport's main coronation celebration will be staged by the Allington Hillbillies at Coopers Field, off Hospital Lane, Bridport, from 6.30pm on Saturday, May 6.

This will include entertainment from DJ HandJam, Chris Deacon and Bridport Young Performers, with the programme will also include lantern making followed by a parade and bonfire. 

For and drink vendors will be on site or bring your own. Entry is free but donations would be welcome - either by card or cash - with all proceeds to be split between Bridport Folk Festival 2024, Bridport Young Performers and the Allington Hillbillies, which volunteer for the Woodland Trust at Allington Hill.

Sunday, May 7

On Sunday, May 7 a civic service will be held at St Mary's Church from 10am. Residents are then welcome to take their own picnics to Millennium Green from 3pm. 

West Bay will be celebrating with a Pirates Day on Sunday, May 7, which will include and outdoor bar and barbecue on The Mound from 12noon and live music from 2pm, plus tea and cake in The Salt House and craft stalls and games on the greens, followed by a royal firework display at 10pm.

On Sunday, May 7 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 8, Abbey Farm at Abbotsbury will be inviting visitors to make their own coronation crown, from 110am to 3pm both days, costing £2 for all materials. Profits raised will be donated to the Prince's Trust.

Monday, May 8

On Monday, May 8, Bridport's fifth From Street to Sea litter pick will form part of the Big Help Out campaign, as part of the King's coronation weekend. 

You can join in by meeting at any of the start locations – Morrisons or Waitrose car parks in Bridport, or the West Bay Discovery Centre – at 10am, or the Watch House Cafe in West Bay for a beach later pick, or simply collect litter on your own street.

You can also celebrate with a coronation garden party with music from Emmy & The SwingThings at The Bull Hotel in Bridport from 12noon to 2.30pm on Monday, May 8. 

The Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock, Watch House Cafe in West Bay, and The Club House in West Bexington, are also hosting a weekend of coronation celebrations including DJs and live music. 

Look out for announcements on coronation events at other pubs and restaurants in the Bridport area.

If you are holding a coronation event in the Bridport area, please send details to [email protected] for publicity and coverage on Bridport Nub News.