This page contains short summary articles about a selection of events taking place across Lancashire in our parishes for the Coronation in 'nibs' (news in brief) format which can also be used by the media in their local coverage. 

This set of events is not exhaustive and there are more events, with onward links for more information, also available here and even that won't be everything!

See A Church Near You website for your local church and any further services/events taking place near where you live. You will be most welcome at any of them.  

• You can also watch a video message here from the new Bishop of Blackburn, Bishop Philip, here released in advance of the Coronation weekend. 
• And find out more here about a broadcast on the BBC local radio network on the Coronation Day and involving Bishop Jill, the Anglican Bishop of Lancaster. 
• View our Coronation resources page here with loads of information for parishes and schools available 24/7 to engage with across the three days - everything from helpful recorded webinars to advicce on holding a street party and much more. 

Coronation video message from Bishop Philip

In a special message released today for people across Lancashire, Bishop Philip talks about the exciting weekend ahead and the activities that are taking place across the County in our parishes.

Encouraging everyone to get involved, Bishop Philip says: "There will be stunning music, wonderful ceremonial, it’ll be a real time of joy, a fabulous spectacle for all to delight in. But it is also going to be a weekend of celebration for us as a Diocese and it has been tremendous to see what parishes are doing to enable local people to celebrate the Coronation in their own context.

But also I hope people have a chance to think a bit deeper, to think what’s really going on, Charles giving away his life as servant, and inviting us to do the same, to make of our lives a gift to the world.

Read and watch the full message here ...

Some events in our parishes

Kick the Coronation weekend off with a bang with a concert of patriotic tunes played by the fabulous Haslingden Concert Band on Friday May 5th at St James’s Church, Burnley Road, Altham, BB5 5UH. The concert starts at 7pm.

Buckshaw Village Church will be holding a Coronation Picnic on Sunday May 7th after church 12 noon to 2pm. Venue is the Community Centre, Unity Place, Buckshaw, all welcome.

Coronation celebrations begin on Sunday May 7th in the Community Hub on Station Road at St Aidan’s Church in Bamber Bridge, at 12 noon with a ‘bring-your-own’ lunch, continuing until 4pm with entertainment laid in the afternoon.

St Paul’s Church in Adlington is set for a big Coronation celebration on Sunday May 7th. A service of thanksgiving at 2pm will be followed by a street party in the church drive ( or the church club if raining). The afternoon will feature children’ crafts and games, Rivington and Adlington Brass Band, a crown hunt with chocolate prizes. Bring your own picnic, fully licensed cash bar in the club.

St Bartholomew’s and The Redeemer in Blackburn will mark the Coronation with a joint service at St Bartholomew’s at 10-30am, followed in the afternoon by a fun filled family celebration with lots of food and drink stalls, a church bake off , and arts and crafts activities for children.

St Peter and Paul’s Church in Rishton is holding a Coronation Community Lunch at the church on Sunday May 7th after church at 12 noon, with food and cakes, indoor crafts and outdoor games, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at 1-30pm which will feature local uniformed organisations.

At St James Church in Haslingden, the Coronation will celebrated on May 6th when the ceremony will be screened live on the big screen from 10am onward. Free refreshments will be served and spaces (free) can be booked by contacting Shirley Adams on 07946 596866.

St Peter’s Church on Harpers Lane in Chorley starts its Coronation celebration on Sunday May 7th with a Parade Communion service starting at 11am, followed by a BBQ and party starting at 12 noon. The event is free, and will feature games, music, and a bouncy castle for younger children.

St Matthew’s Church in Burnley will begin its Coronation celebrations with  a special Family and Parade Service at 10.30am, to be followed by The Coronation Big Lunch from 11.30am-1.30pm. Everyone is welcome and this event is free of charge. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Contributions to the buffet will be most welcome.

St Michael’s and All Angels church in the village of Croston is jointly organising a Coronation Picnic in Bishop Chester’s Wood on Sunday May 7th from 1pm to 4pm. Bring your own grub, there’s a full programme of entertainments including the new children’s play equipment, traditional games, a free BBQ, a family tug of war, children’s disco, the village stocks ( volunteer required on the day!) face painting and competitions including Make A Crown for children, Wildlife photography for teenagers and an open age Coronation Cake Baking challenge.

The Coronation will be shown on big screen at St Laurence’s church in Chorley on Saturday May 6th from 10.30am, with outdoor refreshments during the event.

At St George’s Church in Chorley a bring and share lunch to celebrate the Coronation will be held in the church hall from 11-30am after the 9-30am service. All are welcome.

On Sunday 7th May 2023 St Nicholas Church Wrea Green will celebrate its morning 9.30 service on the village green to be followed by a cake celebration. The challenge is to celebrate the King's coronation by making a decorated celebration cake, to be judged by an independent professional cake baker. There will be two entry categories, under 12s and over 12s with three prizes to be awarded in each group. All cakes entered will be enjoyed by the church community, on the day with a complimentary glass of fizz. Cakes should be taken to the gazebo on the green before the 9.30am service. 

St James’ church in Stalmine is gearing up for a big community celebration on Sunday may 7th, Crown and Glory. The Rev Dyllis Dickinson will lead an outdoor service of celebration at 10-30am, to be followed by The Big Lunch from 11-45am to 2-30pm, with a buffet lunch, fizz and pop, followed by The King’s Coronation Activity Trail, with activities for the whole family embracing the King’s passion for all things green.

St Paul’s Church at Ansdell and Fairhaven will mark the Coronation with two special events, a Coronation Sung Evensong on Thursday May 4th at 3-30pm, and a Coronation Recital and Tea on Friday May 5th, with an organ recital from 4pm and Afternoon Tea at 4.30pm.

Ronnie Semley, May 2023