Durban to celebrate King Charles’ coronation this weekend

ROYALTY fans, it’s time to get the Union Jack out – Durban is celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with several events.

On Saturday, May 6, the celebrations kick off with a live screening of the Coronation at London’s Westminster Abbey. The event will be screened at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo over the coronation weekend, starting with the build-up around 09:00 and then continuing through the duration of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Snacks will be on sale, and there will be a cash bar. Entry is free, however, donations are welcome.

Next, there is a celebratory service at St Cyprian’s Church on 603 Umbilo Road on Sunday, May 7 at 09:00. The music will be led by St Cyprian’s director of music, AJ Bethkem, on the organ, together with trumpeter Russell Scott. The Durban Chamber Choir will lead the hymns. After the service, there will be a picnic / bring and braai in the church grounds with a pipe band, followed by live music by Dave Arnold.

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Later in the month

To honour this historic occasion, the British Cultural and Heritage Association will present a Coronation Celebration Concert at the DLI Hall in Greyville on Sunday, May 21 at 14:00, featuring the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, the Durban Symphonic Choir and special guests, under the baton of Russell Scott.

The programme will feature some rousing traditional British musical classics, such as Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, his Hallelujah Chorus and Zadock the Priest; Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, and Vaughan-Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, interspersed with iconic British and more contemporary favourites, such as numbers from the musicals and the Beatles.

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The DLI Hall was chosen as a venue due to its historical connection to the royal family. Since 1935, King George V bestowed the title of ‘Royal’ on the DLI which was thereafter known as the Royal Durban Light Infantry, and in 1947, the young Princess Elizabeth, when she was in South Africa for her 21st birthday, was made the Regiment’s Colonel in Chief. For the next 14 years, the Regiment enjoyed the highest of royal patronage.

Seating is unreserved, there will be a cash bar, and tickets are R180 through Quicket.

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