Photo by Chris Boland
What a time to be British? The countdown to the King’s Coronation is officially on, and as the nation get ready for the festivities set to take place in London and Windsor, the fabulous team at Rushden Lakes are also prepping for the momentous occasion and bringing the celebrations to the No. 1 retail destination.
We’ve scoured the stores to find everything you’ll need to get in on the action. From red, white and blue clothing for the entire family, right through to decorative items and where to dine. Whilst the King and Queen will arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace on 6th May as part of the King’s procession, we’ve put on our own display to nod to the historical occasion and will be waving the flag as we welcome our gracious King.
With so many stores to choose from we’ve narrowed down our key stores to note so you can bag your Coronation buys with ease. But items are limited so hurry to secure your goods whilst stocks last.
FASHION
Wearing the colours of our flag is a must and if ever there was a time to show how proud you are to be British, 6th May is the day. Choose from a selection of T-Shirts at M&S with the kids range starting at £9 and the adults collection for only £16.
Pop into Joules and Next for a wide selection of themed pieces for both adults and children! A fab way to mark the occasion and get in the spirit! It's time to rock the red, white & blue!
Pandora have added some lucky charms set to make you feel royal. And the fabulous designs have been intricately crafted from sterling silver to include a crown, a mini soldier, big ben, and the wonderful union jack.
DECORATIONS AND MEMORABILIA
Whether you're having quiet drinks in or hosting a party, there are plenty of Coronation decorations to get you in the mood across the bank holiday weekend. For many of us, it will be the first Coronation of our lifetime, so what better way to celebrate it than in quintessential British style. We've found all the best Coronation decorations onsite and have covered everything from cake toppers to union jack garlands and so much more. The great thing about these buys are their sentimental value and stores like Hobbycraft have created collections for must-have products to make this a time to remember.
Shopping for a street party? Check. Tea party? Check. Or simply for someone you know who is a royal family fan? Check. Browse our gallery of decorative essentials below.
Hobbycraft
M&S
Next
The Works
Card Factory
FOOD AND DRINK
We have a plethora of restaurants to enjoy, so choose the ultimate cuisine to tickle your fancy for this wonderful occasion. To avoid any disappoint, be sure to make reservations in advance where possible and look out for special cocktails, menus and inhouse experiences set to hail the King. Bills Coronation treats are currently loading, so check in-store or call ahead for more on the big weekend.
Wildwood are celebrating the Coronation of King Charles with their limited-edition Eton Mess available from 5th May. And from 20th April Patisserie Valerie are taking orders for the ultimate King's Coronation Cake with delicious layers of supreme plain sponge filled with strawberry cream, fresh cream, and strawberry filling. We know, say no more! This mouth-watering pick will be a hit with your guests, finished with a red, white, and blue piped crown. Head in-store for more details.
And for your general party supplies, M&S have a large selection of coronation themed snacks to indulge in.
BOOKS
Enjoy some light reading this season with literature from Waterstones that shares more about the making of the man that will officially be crowned King. And if you’re keen to serve up some great British dishes over the bank holiday weekend, then add The Hairy Bikers British Classics recipe book to your list.
WHAT'S ON & THINGS TO DO OVER THE BANK HOLIDAY
Looking for fun things to do over the bank holiday? Well, you are spoilt for choice. Canoe2 is open (hooray!) and you can pre-book a selection of water activities including paddle boarding and canoeing.
Get your little ones to enter the biggest Crown colouring competition we’ve ever hosted! We are offering one lucky winner a £50 gift voucher for Cineworld and Coronation themed treats from M&S! To learn more the fun event and how to enter the biggest colour challenge at Rushden Lakes click here
Go to the butterfly wall for our Coronation themed photo opportunity with our royal makeover. The new look will feature red, white & blue for those all-important photo opps! And if you tag #myrushdenlakes you’ll be in with a chance to be included on our grid @rushdenlaksessc
Two King’s Grenadier Guards are coming to town and are set to parade the retail park in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, posing for photos and challenging our visitors to make them laugh on 6th May. The light-hearted take on a prestigious parade will deliver selfie props and instant giveaway prizes, plus the participants are invited to share their photos on social media using #RoyalRushdenLakes to be in with a chance of winning a meal fit for a King at Pizza Express worth £100!
We are encouraging people to join in 'The Big Lunch' on Sunday 7th May and inviting our visitors to Central Boulevard to bring our community together. Help to share in friendship, food and fun. We'll have tables and chairs set out for people to bring their own food or buy refreshments here at Rushden Lakes from one of our many restaurants and cafes. Find out more by clicking here, it’s the great British way!
So whatever you have planned for the Coronation and the big bank holiday weekend, head to Rushden Lakes to celebrate in style. Long live the King!
*Please note we’re open everyday over the bank holiday weekend, however store times may vary. Happy Coronation everyone!
