Share the historic Coronation at Salisbury Cathedral

Big screens will be in place to show the Coronation, before Swing Unlimited Big Band play in the afternoon

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 5th May 2023
Last updated 9th May 2023

Salisbury Cathedral is inviting everyone to share in the historic Coronation of King Charles by watching the event on big screens under the Spire.

You can watch the ceremony on a giant screen in the Nave or on one of two 65-inch screens on the North and South transepts

Dean of Salisbury Cathedral Nik Papadopulos said everyone is welcome: “Anyone and everyone is very welcome to come and share in watching and celebrating the Coronation together in the Cathedral.

“I hope that anyone who doesn’t want to by themselves, is by themselves on Coronation Day. If they want to be with others, they can come to the Cathedral and there will be company.”

The Cathedral-based celebrations aren’t just on Saturday, where the Swing Unlimited Big Band playing in the afternoon, but also a special service on Sunday afternoon.

“We’re looking forward to (Swing Unlimited), people in Salisbury will know that they come and play in The Close.”

The Dean described the Coronation as “unique”, saying that one way to observing it would be to go somewhere “special”.

He also said that the Cathedral is still adjusting to life under a King.

“It’s a new beginning. I’m one of those who only lived under the late Queen and we’re all adjusting night-by-night in the Cathedral. We are still getting used to praying ‘Oh Lord, save the King’ because that’s not what we’ve been used to.

“So, it is a time of transition.”

The Coronation also comes at time of significant difficulty in the world, with violence in Ukraine and Sudan – a country with which Salisbury Cathedral has close links – and the cost-of-living crisis, but the Dean says it’s a time for looking forward despite the hardships.

“The beginning of a new reign is another part of that time of transition, but I think it’s also a time for hope to the beginning of a new reign.

“I am sure that the new King will serve with the same faithfulness and sense of duty as the late Queen did.”

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