A special calendar of celebratory events to mark the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III in May has been launched by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

As part of its overall celebrations, the council has opened its first community initiative - the ‘King’s Coronation Small Grants Programme’: – and all eligible community and voluntary organisations in the area are being invited to apply for funding.

With communities at the heart of the programme, the scheme will award grants of up to a maximum value of £500 to local communities - to help them mark the forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May. It is part of the council’s overall Coronation programme which reflects the Royal sentiments of community, volunteering and celebration. 

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson said: “Our Coronation programme reflects the Royal sentiments of community, volunteering and celebration.  

"We will host an exciting variety of events to celebrate the Coronation in lots of different ways from now right through to May – and this grants programme is just the start!

“On the day of the Coronation itself we will be screening the ceremony live on the big screen in Market Square – giving friends, families and neighbours the chance to enjoy it together in the heart of Lisburn, where Her late Majesty visited as part of her coronation tour. And we have lots more planned for the coming months. You can check out all the programme details on our website.” *

Councillor Hazel Legge, Chair of the council’s King’s Coronation Working Group said: “We are delighted to have this small grants programme available to support those wishing to mark this momentous occasion within their community.  Applications must be made by constituted community and voluntary organisations.  Among our other planned activities are community art workshops, watercolour painting competition schools programme and an exhibition. I am anticipating strong interest and engagement across our communities as several generations experience a second Monarch for the first time in their lifetimes.”

Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, added: “Lisburn & Castlereagh has a great community spirit and I look forward to seeing groups working together to mark this historic event. There is no doubt in my mind that volunteers across the council area will take part in a UK-wide event on Monday 8 May called the ‘Big Help Out’,  - uniting communities through volunteering to create a lasting legacy from the Coronation Weekend.

“In the meantime, it is fantastic to see the council offering grants to help local community groups celebrate the King’s Coronation in an inclusive manner. I am sure there will be great enthusiasm for this and that all the funded events will be well attended.

“Interested groups should submit applications for funding to the council before the closing date of Monday 20 February at 12 noon.”

Application forms and guidelines for these grants can be found online at www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/kingscoronationgrants

*To view the council’s King’s Coronation programme please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/KingsCoronation