The King’s Community Celebration a Right Royal Success

On Monday 8th May, Beverley Minster, decorated in Union Flags and bunting, played host to Beverley Town Council’s King’s Community Celebration.

Over a thousand people attended the event, with standing room only and the church bursting with good cheer.

Visitors were entertained by a range of talented performers, whilst enjoying a community picnic within the walls of the Minster itself. A range of local voluntary groups were also present, as part of His Majesty’s “Big Help Out” initiative. The event was organised by Beverley Town Council in partnership with Beverley Minster, with funded by the Town Council and the King’s Coronation Community Fund.

A spokesperson from Beverley Town Council said: “We were blown away by the number of people who attended the event. Our aim was to create a free and friendly event that all the community could enjoy, as a way of celebrating both the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the amazing contribution local voluntary groups make to our town. From the feedback we have received, it was at triumph. It was wonderful to see the Minster full of families, friends and individuals, all coming together in common purpose.”

Music was provided by East Riding Schools Music Services, Bev, Beverley Town Handbell Ringers, Beverley Male Voice Choir, Beverley Ukulele Group and Beverley Church Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade. 

Activities for children were organised by the Scouts and a wide range of community groups promoted their work and encouraged new volunteers to take part in their activities. The Town Council also thanks Leconfield Defence School of Transport for the loan of stall tables.

In a statement, Beverley Minster was also full of praise of those who were involved: “Beverley is blessed with so many community-spirited people who give freely of their time to help make the town a better place. At the Minster, we have many volunteers who support the daily life of the church and we’d like to thank them all for what they do, especially those who were able to help support this remarkable event. Beverley Minster has always been at the heart of the local community and it was great to work with the Town Council to help make this occasion a real success.”

Alongside local families, a range of civic dignitaries were also present, first attending a reception at the Monks Walk Inn before processing to the Minster. Those in attendance included Cllr Linda Johnson the Mayor of Beverley, the High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire Tina Cerutti, Cllr John Whittle the Chair of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Honorary Freemen and Freewomen of Beverley, members of Beverley Town Council and Mayors from other nearby towns.

The Town Council spokesperson concluded: “Thank you to everyone who attended and took part, especially the Beverley Minster staff and volunteers who were so helpful and welcoming. It was humbling to see so many people coming together to celebrate not just our local community, but also the historic coronation of His Majesty King Charles II. Long may both he and our sense of community spirit reign.”