Hampshire tops coronation party plans

The county has the highest number of street parties planned for this weekend's coronation

Author: Neil Lancefield, PA Published 2nd May 2023

Hampshire, along with Kent, has 251 planned.

More than 3,000 parties are due to take place across the UK with most of them on Sunday.

Councils in England have approved 3,087 road closures for gatherings marking the royal event, according to figures from road management company one.network shared with the PA news agency.

The parties will cover a total of 263 miles, which is roughly equivalent to the distance from Westminster Abbey - where the coronation ceremony takes place on Saturday - to Land's End in Cornwall.

The most popular day for parties over the three-day bank holiday weekend is Sunday, when 62% will take place.

Some 27% are planned for Saturday, while just 11% are scheduled for Monday.

Only one party application has been approved by each of Cumberland Council, Herefordshire Council, Luton Borough Council and Manchester City Council.

Many councils have waived their usual street party fees for this weekend.

All roads officially closed for coronation street parties in England are included in the figures, one.network said.

The analysis does not take into account parties in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, or unofficial events.

James Harris, chief executive one.network, said: "It's fantastic to see neighbours and communities coming together to use their streets for parties to celebrate the crowning of our new King.

"Organising a street party is hard enough, but local councils should be given a huge hand for their great efforts in facilitating this country-wide celebration.

"With their hard work approving and managing road closures, the country can party safely whilst minimising disruption for road users."

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.