Saffron Walden celebrates Coronation of King Charles III

On Saturday - the day of the Coronation - the celebrations began with the Town Crier Matt Clare's proclamation in the Market Square and a piece specially composed by Pipe Major James Stewart.

They both then proceeded to Walden Castle along with Mayor Cllr James de Vries and Mayoress Sheila de Vries.

Visitors were welcomed to Walden Castle to watch a live stream of the King's Procession and the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey.

Family film Paddington was also streamed in the afternoon, following the service, and families also enjoyed coronation crafting, face painting and meeting characters from Audley End Miniature Railway.

There was also a Coronation Party in Jubilee Garden, featuring Jason 'DJ Digger' Coles.

The Coronation Concert was live streamed at Walden Castle (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a 'Coronation Big Lunch' in Jubilee Garden. The event featured live music at the bandstand by Fairycroft House, as well as refreshments and a charity tombola - with proceeds going to the mayor's charities Support for Sight, Accuro and Uttlesford Citizens Advice.

Local businesses were thanked for providing the prizes - with Gabe Parker winning the top prize of an iPad, donated by Force36.

Live musicians included the Saffron Walden Town Band, Dan Price, Shorelines, Elliot Porter, Sakara Pritchard and the Flying Symbols.

Pure Rhythm School of Peforming Arts made a colourful appearance dressed in costumes for their forthcoming 20th anniversary show.

Saffron Walden Town Council and Saffron Walden Museum also hosted a live open-air streaming at Walden Castle of the BBC Coronation Concert from Windsor Castle.

A procession took place to celebrate the new King (Image: Celia Bartlett)

For the event, Saffron Walden BID teamed up with local food and drink businesses to offer 'Picnics fit for a King' to those attending the screening.

A Saffron Walden Town Council spokesperson said: "SWTC sends a huge thank you to the residents of Saffron Walden for supporting the events – and special thanks to Saffron Walden Museum, Fairycroft House, all sponsors, Town Crier - Matt Clare, SW BID, Kenzies Contracts, Audley End Miniature Railway, UCAN volunteer and all suppliers for their part in making the weekend a success for the town."

Families got involved in celebration the Coronation in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Over the weekend, residents and visitors were also able to take part in Coronation activities at the museum, including crown crafting for children.

Businesses - including Burton's Butchers - celebrated by bedecking their shop in red, white and blue and donning Union Jack hats.

To offer feedback on the coronation events go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/coronationSWTC (paper copies available at the Tourist Information Centre).

If you or your business would like to sponsor or support future community events like these, please email Colette - events@saffronwalden.gov.uk.

Burton's Butchers got dressed up to mark the Coronation (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The Coronation Concert was live streamed at Walden Castle (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Street parties were held across Saffron Walden to celebrate the Coronation (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Picnics and street parties were held to celebrate the event (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Mayor of Saffron Walden James de Vries with the Mayoress Sheila (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Residents braved the rain to celebrate the Coronation (Image: Celia Bartlett)