Mrs Hudson says | Celebrating the coronation the Hudson way!

Though it was a sad day when we heard of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, here at Chez Hudson, we’ve been very excited to experience our first coronation! Not only will this be my first time witnessing the spectacle first hand, but also the children, Florence, Elwood and Bertie’s first times too! Because this is a once in a life time experience for us (well, possibly for me, the kids might get another chance!) we have decided to go all out, so here is how we are celebrating the Coronation, the Hudson way!

1. The party
   We’re lucky enough to live in a lovely rural community with a few neighbours and lots of open space, so we’ve pulled together our very own Coronation Street party! Each of us neighbours have organised one aspect of the party and together, it will be a fabulous bash. Us Hudsons are in charge of the desserts, so the twins have been making Charles and Jack Russell themed cupcakes and Florence and myself have been researching some of the favourite royal puddings from history – it’s going to be quite the spread.
2. The décor
   Obviously Union Flags are a great go-to and we will be utilising as much bunting as possible for the weekend. We’ve also decided on a 1950s theme with a modern twist, so we’ll be dressing up as best we can with retro outfits while enjoying the luxuries of modern life, like fairylights and Spotify.
3. The music
   Florence, as the oldest child is in charge of the music and has been putting together a playlist using the official Coronation playlist. I’m sure it will be much more to her taste than the King’s but it will be fun nonetheless.

Of course, we’ll be watching the whole thing too, one of the neighbours is planning to bring out a big screen so we can stream the whole thing, we just have to hope that the Great British weather doesn’t let us down.

If you’re looking to celebrate the coronation where you are, here are some of the highlights that are going on over the bank holiday weekend.

Coronation screening at the castle (southern edition) | 6^th May
Powderham Castle, nr Exeter, Devon EX6 7JQ
Watch the screening of the Coronation at the castle from 10am on Saturday 6^th May and then enjoy a screening of the Coronation concert and community party from 5pm the following day!

Coronation screening at the castle (northern edition) | 6^th May
Nottingham Castle, Lenton Road, Nottingham NG1 6EL
This will be the castle’s first opening of the season and will host the Coronation live streamed on a big screen in the castle grounds.

Coronation Day Special | 6^th May
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight PO33 4DS
Kick of the bank holiday with a trip in an Edwardian carriage and then watch the action from Westminster Abbey from the station.

Street party at the castle | 7^th and 8^th May
Belvoir Castle, Nottingham NG32 1PE
Complete with the best of British food and drink, this is a street party to remember!

Cavog’s Coronation Fun | Various days
Kents Cavern, Torquay Devon TQ1 2JF
Head underground with the whole family to see how Cavog the caveman is celebrating the Coronation!

Coronation Celebrations | 7^th May
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol BS1 6TY
Step on board the ship and enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea in the First Class Dining Saloon.

Celebrate in style for free | 8^th May
Syon Park, London Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF
Syon Park will be opening up for free especially for the Bank Holiday! There’s no need to book and there will be a host of activities for the kids!

However, you choose to celebrate the Coronation, we hope you have a marvellous bank holiday and enjoy the pomp and ceremony of it all. We’ll catch up with you again next month!