Manchester will be throwing a huge party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla – slap bang in the middle of Piccadilly Gardens.
Manchester City Council is inviting people to head into the city centre to watch the historic occasion on two big screens.
The new monarch will be coronated at Westminster Abbey – the same place his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned some 70 years ago – on Saturday 6 May.
The huge event is going to be live-streamed to chosen locations across the country, including our very own Piccadilly Gardens.
The area has also become the main hub of the Manchester Christmas Markets in recent years, and has hosted screenings of major sporting events too.
A range of traders will be invited down to sell everything from food and drinks to face paints for little ones.
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Here’s what’s going on across the bank holiday weekend.
Saturday 6 May
Piccadilly Gardens. Credit: Unsplash
A ‘party fit for royalty’ has been announced for Saturday, including airing the BBC Live Coverage of the Coronation in Piccadilly Gardens on large screens.
Visitors can dine on street food and Coronation treats, while kids can have their faces painted.
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Or you can head across to the historic Manchester Cathedral and watch the Coronation from there instead, free of charge.
The platforms in Piccadilly Gardens will remain open until 11pm, with food, drink and entertainment into the night.
Sunday 7 May
The Coronation fun will continue the day after the main event, with a Coronation Big Lunch picnic planned in Piccadilly Gardens.
There’ll be picnic tables, benches and food stalls, with similar events happening in cities towns and villages across the country.
In the evening, the Coronation Concert will be live streamed in Piccadilly Gardens and residents are invited to enjoy the world-class entertainment in the city centre.
Starting on Monday 8 May, to mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation, thousands of organisations across the country will be participating in the Big Help Out. The Big Help Out is a scheme encouraging people across the country to volunteer and help out their local communities.
Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Donna Ludford, said: “The Coronation of His Majesty the King Charles the III and Queen Consort is a landmark occasion, and I am pleased that Manchester is joining in with the Coronation fun.
“From joining in with the events in Piccadilly Gardens, to celebrating at home, there’s a range of ways that communities all over the city can get involved with the celebrations and I hope that it will be a weekend to remember for all.”
Popular outdoor dining event returns to MediaCity waterfront this summer
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s popular outdoor dining concept is back again this summer, and there’s a proper tasty lineup of traders.
Kargo on the Docks, which is MediaCity‘s al fresco dining pop-up, has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester‘s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Loads of local indie food vendors have taken over the Salford Quays waterfront for the summer / Credit: Supplied
Afro Shack – the sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite House of Habesha – will be serving fusion food combining East African flavours with indulgent American fast food, while new kids on the block Wok Bros will deliver sizzling, wok-tossed Pan-Asian street food and 100% halal dishes inspired by authentic flavours and fresh ingredients.
Iconic Jamaican dishes will also be on offer from Sunrise Caribbean, while Quiero Tacos will bring slow-cooked Birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and vibrant rice bowls packed with the spirit of Mexico.
Last but not least, Mediterranean food lovers can expect juicy lamb koftas, golden halloumi, and richly spiced chicken shawarma from Habibs.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours / Credit: Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
As well as the tasty food on offer, as mentioned, Kargo on the Docks also features a range of artwork and installations from local independent talent – with each container adorned with murals from creatives including Fernandes Makes, Kelly Ma, and Caroline Daly, bringing a feel-good summer vibe to the MediaCity Gardens.
Visitors can also enjoy an art trail display through the gardens, featuring structures designed by, A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey, and Tasha Whittle.
There will also be a range of pop-up events hosted at the venue throughout the summer, with more announcements to be made very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Kargo on the Docks is now back at MediaCity from today (9 May) and will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-9pm throughout the summer.
Featured Image – Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
What's On
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Daisy Jackson -
28th April 2023 
