SILHILLIANS came out in force to mark King Charles’ coronation.
From street parties to barbecues, live screenings of the service at Westminster Abbey and live music, the celebrations went on across the bank holiday weekend regardless of the weather.
The historic event was rung in at Bickenhill Church thanks to the bell ringers group.
The residents of Copstone Drive in Dorridge hung up the bunting and headed outside to raise a toast to the newly-crowned King Charles and Queen Camilla.
There was a bouncy castle and games for the children, a coronation quiz, a barbecue station and a Great Copstone Bake Off competition, which 13 year old Teddy Wright won with his lemon drizzle cake.
A raffle also raised funds for Breast Friends, Solihull.
Copstone Drive resident, Katy Wright, said: “Copstone Drive was badly affected by localised flooding in July 2021 leading to many residents moving out temporarily. It was lovely to get together to celebrate good times and also welcome new families from Hong Kong to our road.”
Sparkles School of Dance based at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst put on their finest regal outfits just for the occasion.
Residents and staff at Harper Fields Care Home in Balsall Common held an indoor street party fit for a King with entertainment from Balsall Common U3A Swing Division Band.
Alan Howard, a Harper Fields resident, said: “I’ve had the best time of my life, the whole day has been brilliant.
“I can just about remember the Queen’s Coronation, I was very small but I remember the street party we had then and this was just as much fun.
“We all wanted to pay our respects to the new King and create new memories, it is such an important occasion to mark.”
The Friends of Shirley Park were joined by volunteers including Scout groups and families to clean up Shirley Park during a litter pick in the rain on Monday, May 8, as part of The Big Help Out.
Pupils and staff at Balsall Common Primary School were joined by a host of special guests including the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ken Meeson, for a special party.
The children formed a human chain of bunting as the finale’ to the day, as they wore bespoke T-shirts they had designed just for the event.
