Forestry England has announced it is to create a 35-hectare woodland near Harrogate.

The woodland will be located at Haverah Park between Beckwithshaw and Killinghall. It will be planted as Coronation Woods to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

The site will become the second Forestry England site in the district, alongside Stainburn Forest.

Forestry England, which is an agency of the Forestry Commission, is England’s largest land manager.

The organisation said in a press release today the woodland will contribute to its ambition to create 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026 provide public access for recreation, habitats for wildlife, and sustainably-grown timber.

It added the woodland designs will be informed by site surveys, and the public will be invited to comment on the proposals later in the year.

It did not reveal how much it had paid for the site.

Haverah Park, Google Street View

Gareth Parry, Forestry England’s forest management director in Yorkshire, said:

“The nation’s forests are absolutely critical to the fight against climate change, and expanding England’s tree cover is an essential part of this work.

“Research has shown that being amongst nature improves our health and wellbeing, so public access will be established for local communities to enjoy and share this green space.”

Haverah Park entrance, Google Street View

The government plans to increase tree planting rates across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this parliamentary term.

Read more:

• Light pollution policy to protect Nidderdale dark skies 
• ‘Unbelievably disappointing’ – cyclists respond to Victoria Avenue plans
• Best garden at Harrogate Flower Show revealed 

King Charles III celebrated his coronation this year – and the Harrogate district certainly celebrated with him.

From street parties and parades to afternoon tea and live music, people went all out to mark the new king in May.

See our gallery below to look back on the royal celebrations near you.

Harrogate

Over the three-day weekend, Harrogate saw a range of celebratory events.

People gathered for an afternoon tea at the Oatlands Community Centre, others watched a livestream on the big screen in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses also showed their colours — and some four-legged friends even waved the flag for the day.

Afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre.

The Valley Gardens was also looking patriotic for the occasion.

People watched a livestream in the Valley Gardens.

Local businesses got into the royal spirit.

Betsy got coronation ready too!

Ripon

Ripon kicked off the royal celebrations with a live performance from Complete Madness in the Market Square.

Services in the cathedral and street parties followed, and surrounding villages gathered to mark the occasion too.

Former Ripon Grammar School student, 72-year-old Bruce Oldfield, even designed Queen Camilla’s coronation dress.

Fountains Abbey was lit up in honour of the King.

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club. 

Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson.

Complete Madness kicking off the celebrations.

Residents of Carr Close threw a street party.

Around 100 people partied on the street.

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard

Masham and Kirkby Malzeard residents came out in their droves to celebrate the royal event.

There was a car rally, a float parade, BBQs, maypole dancing and more.

Masham had a float parade.

Maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard.

Vintage cars also rallied as part of the parade.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough House held a livestream of the coronation service, as well as a Coronation Concert over the weekend.

The concert, which was held at Knaresborough Castle, celebrated at music through time and people smiled as the sun shone down.

Livestream at Knaresborough House.

Hundreds gathered for the Coronation Concert.

Knitting Pretty and Number Thirteen in Knaresborough were decorated for the coronation.

Read more:

• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles II coronation
• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district

A three-day weekend of celebrations and volunteering saw thousands of people mark the coronation of King Charles III in the Harrogate district.

Stray Ferret reporters were out and about every day capturing the fun and numerous activities taking place to commemorate the historic occasion.

Sunday’s glorious weather attracted a huge turnout to Knaresborough Castle for Party in the Castle.

Sunday Party in the Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

People getting into the swing of the coronation concert at Knaresborough Castle. Pic: Charlotte Gale Photography

Knaresborough Castle was lit up for the occasion. Pic: Mike Whorley Photography

The royal city of Ripon once again proved it is the little city that knows how to stage a big party as live music filled Market Place on Saturday and Sunday nights, culminating in fireworks to the sounds of a Queen tribute band.

Ripon Cathedral also provided a focus for official events marking the coronation.

Jo Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and Dean John Dobson at Sunday’s coronation commemorative service at Ripon Cathedral

Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia arrive to watch Ripon cathedral’s livestream of the coronation.

Carr Close in Ripon enjoyed the best of the weather when it staged a street party on Sunday.

Fireworks in Ripon Market Place rounded off Sunday’s activities.

In Harrogate, a big screen in Valley Gardens broadcast the coronation live. Many community groups staged events in villages nearby and also organised volunteering activities yesterday as part of the Big Help Out national initiative.

Watching the coronation in Valley Gardens

Oatlands Community Centre’s coronation gathering

Community Fit’s Anna Gazier (left) and Lisa Tilburn, who work with HADCA, litter picking in Valley Gardens.

Three generations of bell-ringers took part in Saturday’s coronation service at St Wilfrid’s. Pictured are Sally McDonagh, mum Shirley and daughter Bethany, 11.

Sixteen thousand plants were woven together to create the royal cypher on Montpellier Hill.

The sun shone in Masham for its parade of floats on Sunday and nearby Kirkby Malzeard had a lunch party.

One of the Masham floats

Masham Market Square on Sunday

Flying the Union flag in Kirkby Malzeard

Read more:

• As it happened: Second day of coronation celebrations in Harrogate district
• As it happened: Harrogate district celebrates King Charles III coronation

As Masham celebrated the King’s Coronation, people in the small market town have spoken of hopes a buyer can be found for the Black Sheep Brewery.

Last week, Black Sheep announced administrators had been appointed after being “hit very hard” by the pandemic and a rise in costs.

The company, which employs around 50 members of staff, was founded in 1992 and has become a tourist hotspot bringing a significant amount of footfall to the town.

One local business owner told the Stray Ferret people are worried about a potential loss of income for their own businesses if the brewery doesn’t survive.

Tim Ledbetter, owner of Bentley’s of Masham, said:

“With it being such a big employer, there is then a big knock-on effect.

“We get a lot of trade from visitors of Black Sheep — it could be detrimental.”

The brewery reported turnover of £14.3 million as of March 31, 2022, according to its most recent accounts. However, it also stated a pre-tax loss of £1.18 million, compared to £862,871 profit in the previous year.

Read more:

• Masham’s Black Sheep ‘trading as normal’ as administration looms
• Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery to enter administration

Reports of  interest from several potential buyers has given some cause for cautious optimism.

Emily Swift, an employee of Through the Looking Glass, said:

“People were definitely concerned, but talks of a possible buyer has eased worries.”

A confirmed acquisition or sale has not yet been confirmed, and Teneo remains in place as the brewery’s financial adviser.

As the big day gets closer, The Stray Ferret is compiling a list of events across the district to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

If you have an event that you wish to include in our list, please send the details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Thursday, May 4

Ripon 

5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: A coronation-themed evensong service will be held at the Cathedral.

Knaresborough

Flowers in the shape of the coronation crown will be on display at the Market Cross in Knaresborough until May 13.

Friday, May 5 

Harrogate

7pm – St Wilfred’s Church, Duchy Road: Solemn Festival Mass for the Coronation followed by barbecue supper at 8.30pm. Tickets £15 to include food and welcome drink. Contact bookings@stwilfrid.org for tickets.

Killinghall

7.30pm-11pm – Killinghall Village Hall: A coronation ceilidh with The Dark Horse Ceilidh Bank. Drinks will be available at the cricket club bar and a pizza van will be on site. Adults £5, children go free. For details, click here.

Ripon

5.30-6.15pm – Ripon Cathedral: An evensong service with Coronation Vigil will be held at the cathedral ahead of the royal ceremony.

6.30pm: Tribute bands playing live in the Market Place.

Saturday, May 6  Coronation Day 

Harrogate

10am-8pm – Valley Gardens: A big screen showing the coronation and other coverage of events in London, followed by family films. Family entertainment, fairground rides. Entry is free.

10am-6pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.

Time TBC – Majestic Hotel: A big screen showing the coronation, along with family entertainment and the chance to win prizes. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend. For more information click here. 

Noon-midnight – The Oatlands: Family open day with children’s entertainment, barbecue and an evening party. For more information go to www.theoatlands.co.uk/.

Killinghall

2.30-8.30pm – Killinghall Cricket Club: Bring a picnic and enjoy some games at the Killinghall Big Lunch Picnic. The bar will be open.

Knaresborough

10am-5pm – Knaresborough House: A big screen will stream the Coronation, as well as two family films on the day. People are welcome to bring picnics, but food and drink stalls will also be available at the free event.

10am-4pm – Castle Yard: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held as part of the coronation celebrations.

7pm – Gracious Street Methodist Church live streaming the Coronation Prom  from the Royal Albert Hall in London from 7.00pm (concert starts at 7.30pm). Admission is free.

Langthorpe

Langhthorpe Parish Council, in conjunction with the Coronation Hall trustees, will be opening the the Coronation Hall with live coverage on a big screen. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. 100 free tickets will be provided on a first come first served basis.

Lofthouse

3pm – coronation celebration at the cricket ground. Races, activities and game from 3.20pm, dog show at 5pm and disco 6pm to midnight.

Masham

2-6pm – Swinton Park: Live music, garden fete activities and a variety of food and drink will all be on offer in the hotel grounds. The event is free to attend and the gardens will be open throughout the day for visitors to enjoy.

Nidderdale

4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Acoustic and Rock Cover Party. Various local musicians will perform covers of classic rock and acoustic hits. Afternoon tea is included in the ticket price, which is £25 (£15 for under 14s).

Ripon

9.30am onwards – Ripon Cathedral: A live stream of the BBC’s coverage of the coronation will be shown at the Cathedral. It it free to attend and there will be free self-service refreshments available.

Sunday, May 7

Beckwithshaw

2pm-4.30pm – Beckwithshaw Village Hall field: Afternoon tea. Bring a picnic, have fun with games and races. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided.

Harrogate

10am-7pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides,. Entry is free.

10am – 4pm – Valley Gardens: Little Bird Artisan Market will be held alongside the coronation celebrations in Valley Gardens.

12pm onwards – Majestic Hotel: Music from DJ Mark Green. Bring a picnic blanket and deckchairs, and you can buy food and drink from the hotel throughout the day. Free to attend.

4pm-midnight – Ivory: Charles and Camilla Go Large. A night of 90s house music with DJs Delano and Millsy

Kirby Hill

Coronation tea will be held at the church in Kirby Hill. Everyone is welcome.

Kirkby Malzeard

1pm onwards – Highside playing fields: Friendship lunch party: Bring a chair, food and drink for a party that includes Maypole dancing, music and children’s activities.

Knaresborough  

6pm-11pm – The Coronation Concert will be screened live at Knaresborough Castle.

Masham

2.30pm onwards – Masham Square: Celebrations including a parade of floats, fancy dress competition, barbecue, live music and a quiz, ending with a firework display. Click here for details.

Nidderdale

12-6pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Jazz Blues and Brass Extravaganza. Performances will be held by Eugine’s Jazz Band and Harrogate Jazz Band, with a carvery lunch included. Ticket prices begin at £15.

Noon-3pm – Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground: The Big Lunch. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music from Ant & Frank and Dacre & Summerbridge Silver Band. Free entry.

North Rigton

Noon onwards: Village garden, North Rigton: North Rigton Parish Council is hosting the big coronation lunch. Bring a picnic or join friends for a meal.

Pannal and Burn Bridge

Noon-5pm – Crimple Meadows: Family fun day including food and drinks, licensed bar, fun races and tug of war. Cake sale, raffle and bouncy castle will also be on site. There will also be fundraising for local causes. Admission is free.

Ripon

1pm-6pm – Street party on Carr Close.

Last year’s jubilee street party on Carr Close was such a success, it’s happening again.

Spofforth

7pm-11pm – Celebrations will take place in front of Spofforth Castle. Gates open at 7pm, bring a picnic or enjoy on-site caterers with pizzas, crepes, ice cream and coffee. There will be circus entertainers and face painting plus a jazz band followed by the group Beatlemania playing sets of the Fab Four, finishing at 11pm with fireworks over Spofforth Castle. Stockeld Park is illuminating the castle in red, white and blue. Tickets available from the village shop.

Boroughbridge

10am – St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough: A service to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, hosted by the Mayor of Boroughbridge, Cllr Sean Hynes, and Rev Karen Gardiner. Visitors are asked to be seated by 9.45am.

Monday, May 8 – The Big Help Out 

Harrogate 

10am-4.30pm – Valley Gardens: Family entertainment, fairground rides, Little Bird Artisan Market. Entry is free.

1pm-2pm – Wesley Chapel: Coronation-themed song recital with Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and Christopher Glynn (piano). Tickets £10 on the door.

1-3pm – Oatlands Community Centre: Afternoon tea and community barbecue with crafts, face painting and other activities. Free.

Kirkby Malzeard

12pm-2pm – Mechanics Institute and around the village: The Big Help Out – assist a neighbour with weeding, sweeping or odd jobs and village litter picking. Refreshments at the Mechanics Institute.

Masham

Noon onwards – Masham Square: Family fun day with car boot sale, sports, a tug-of-war, welly wanging and a cow pat competition. Click here for details.

Nidderdale

1pm onwards – Glasshouses Village Green: Live music, children’s activities, and tea and cake, hosted by Glasshouses WI and Village Association. Bring a picnic and Prosecco to toast the King. Donations will be made to IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service). Free to attend.

4-10pm – The Queen’s Head Inn, Kettlesing: The Tribute Band Party will see an afternoon of tributes to the likes of ABBA and The Beatles. A hog roast is included in the ticket price, which begins at £15.

Ripon

11.30am-5pm – Ripon Cathedral: Bank holiday Monday will see the Coronation Beer Festival take place in the grounds of the Cathedral.

Starbeck

10am-2pm – St Andrew’s Church, High Street: The Big Help Out – get involved with volunteering to improve the area. Plenty for all ages to do, and a family picnic on Belmont Field.

Coronation celebrations continued across the Harrogate district today.

Today’s events include a parade of floats in Masham, The Big Lunch in Pateley Bridge, free entertainment in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, maypole dancing in Kirkby Malzeard, a picnic in Beckwithshaw, street parties and a fireworks display and Beatles tribute band at Spofforth Castle.

Our reporters were out and about capturing the fun and celebrations.

For a full list of events, visit our coronation diary here.

You can catch up with Saturday’s live blog here.

7.04pm – Big crowd for Coronation Concert in Knaresborough

Kelly Young (centre), alongside other chamber members

Nearly 400 people have gathered in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to watch a livestream of the Coronation Concert on a big screen.

As the sun still shines, families and friends are seated with picnics and drinks waiting to enjoy the BBC concert. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also created a video compilation of iconic moments in the King’s life, including his christening, his crowning as the Prince of Wales, and music from the 1940s up to the 2000s.

Knaresborough Castle is part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a property portfolio owned by King Charles III himself, but the castle is predominantly run by North Yorkshire Council and the people of Knaresborough.

Kelly Young, director of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:

“We’re grateful to Matthew Walker and North Yorkshire Council for the funding to host this event.

“We hope to have many more events like this in the future”.

6.32pm – Coronation tea at Oatlands 

A good turnout for the coronation afternoon tea at Oatlands Community Centre in Harrogate. Pics by Oatlands Community Group.

4pm Carr Close Street Party, Ripon

With nearly 100 attendees, Carr Close in Ripon hosted a street party to continue the royal celebrations. Residents of the street have enjoyed a lunch in the sun, a royal raffle and lots of dancing and games.

The party began at 1pm and will end at 6pm when the road closure ends. It has been in the works for six months, after Harrogate Borough Council allowed the street closure.

The party’s royal raffle raised £100 for Harrogate Road Methodist Church in Ripon.

The residents of Carr Close gave a cheer to the new King.

Organiser Jane Lincoln, a resident of Carr Close, said:

“Today has made me feel so lucky to be part of such a lovely community”.

Carr Close resident Julie Carr said:

“It has been a great day, with lovely weather and lovely company.

“We have spent it with our friends and family”.

3.30  Ripon Cathedral begins Commemorative Service 

Whilst the festivities continue in villages across the district, the bells of Ripon Cathedral have been ringing to mark the start of a special commemoration service.

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Ms Jo Ropner, representing the newly-crowned King Charles III, arrived at a packed Ripon cathedral this afternoon for a commemorative service to celebrate yesterday’s coronation.

She was greeted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson. Both pictured below.

Among the 600 plus in attendance are civic dignitaries from across the county. The service will see the cathedral’s girl choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks sing with the additional accompaniment of Ripon City Band (pictured).

The service is being led by the Dean, with readings from The Lord-Lieutenant, and the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers’ 21 Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Perry Bishop. The regiment is based at Claro Baracks, Ripon.

3pm – Masham parade 

Flora has now moved from Kirkby Malzeard to Masham to cover the afternoon fun.

The coronation float parade has begun into the town’s square, featuring a performance from Elvis, a live band and the fire service. 

Richard and Sandy Cole, drivers of a Morgan in the parade, said: 

“It’s been a wonderful day. It’s lovely to be in the fresh air and always good to be in our cars. We feel we’re in good hands with King Charles III.”

The First Rainbows, Brownies and Guides won best float

Vick Greensit who’s two daughters were on the winning float (below) told the Stray Ferret:

“ It’s been a fantastic day and atmosphere. Masham has pushed the boat out and we all love a community event.”

Ellie Greensit (L) aged 7 and her 10 year old sister Jessica on the winning float

1.10pm – Kirky Malzeard’s Big Lunch gets underway

The Stray Ferret’s Flora Grafton has started her coverage of the district today in Kirkby Malzeard.

Around 300 people have gathered in the village in aid of the national Big Lunch event.

As well as a picnic lunch, visitors can enjoy maypole dancing, sword dancing and a bouncy castle.

Villager Karen Pickles said:

“People gathered together to have lunch and I’m just to glad it has brought the village together.” 

Pippa Manson chair of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council (R), Karen Pickles and Jeni Cropper (L)

The Kirkby Malzeard Long Sword Dancers

12.50pm – weather forces change of venue in Pannal 

The earlier torrential rain has meant a change of venue for today’s festivities in Pannal to the Village Green and Church car park.

Ripon bell ringers prepare to ring for the King 

Their work high up in the south west tower of Ripon Cathedral goes unseen, but they are heard across the ancient city.

The 32-strong team of bell-ringers, whose numbers have increased recently with four new recruits, will ‘ring for the king’ once more this afternoon, with a joyous quarter peal between 2.15 and the start of the North Yorkshire commemorative service at 3.30, which celebrates yesterday’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Ringing master Martin Davies, told the Stray Ferret that 10 of the cathedral’s 12 bells were cast in 1932 and were rung to mark the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

This afternoon’s service will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Ms Jo Ropner, along with other civic dignitaries. It will be led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd. John Dobson.

Our pictures show members of the bell-ringing team in action prior to this morning’s Sung Eucharist Service and a group photo supplied to us by Mr Davies.

Ripon Market Square will host live music culminating in a fireworks finale tonight at 10.50.

The pyrotechnics will bring an end to a day of coronation celebrations in the city.

Afternoon sunshine brought hundreds of people, including a large number of families with young children, to the square.

A Katherine Jenkins tribute act wrapped in a Union Jack, sang a range of stirring patriotic songs, while children queued for their turn to ride free of charge on the galloping horses and Sizzler fairground attractions.

Earlier today, Ripon Cathedral hosted a live screening of today’s coronation ceremony.

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Cathedral is marking the coronation
• Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents

A former Ripon Grammar School student designed the dress which Queen Camilla wore to today’s coronation ceremony.

Bruce Oldfield, 72, came up with the idea for the white silk dress which Camilla wore during proceedings at Westminster Abbey and later at Buckingham Palace.

Queen Camilla’s outfit was also embroidered with roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks to represent the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Mr Oldfield has been designing Queen Camilla’s dresses for more than a decade.

The 72-year-old grew up in Ripon after moving to West Mount, a Dr Barnados Care Home, when he was 13.

He went on to study at Ripon Grammar School before pursuing a career as a fashion designer.

Mr Oldfield told the BBC that Her Majesty was “wonderful to collaborate with”.

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation
• Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

The forecast showers stayed away as those in attendance witnessed His Majesty’s coronation and procession down the Mall.

For Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, of Community Stars CIC, the event was much needed for family and friends in the town.

The pair hosted a bakery and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said:

“It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

Emma Jenner and Clare Robinson, of Community Stars CIC.

As the afternoon wore on, children started to take advantage of the craft and face painting stalls on offer.

A big screen in place at the event showed King Charles entering the Buckingham Palace balcony, which was met with plenty of flag waving and cheers.

Bob Godsell, activities chairman at Knaresborough Lions, said the event was reward for everything the town has been through over the past few years.

Bob, who hosted the bar at Knaresborough House, said:

“I’m glad that the weather has been better.

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

The Harrogate district is celebrating today’s coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

The Stray Ferret will be reporting from across the district today as the celebrations begin for the weekend.

Don’t forget to send in pictures from your coronation parties to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page.

You can follow all our coverage below.

5.15pm – Thanks for joining us

Thanks for joining us for today’s coverage of the coronation from across the Harrogate district.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories from across the district as the celebrations continue into Sunday.

4.30pm – The former Ripon Grammar School student behind Queen Camilla’s dress

Did you know the designer of Queen Camilla’s dress for today’s coronation is a former Ripon Grammar School pupil?

Bruce Oldfield, 72, was a student at the school in the 1960s.

Read more here.

Queen Camilla pictured in her white silk dress.

3.51pm – Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

Read more here.

2.30pm – HADCA looking for volunteers

There’s still time to take part in the The Big Help Out and do good in your community by volunteering on Monday.

Voluntary sector organisation HADCA is urging those interested in taking part on Monday — or any other time — to get in touch.

https://twitter.com/KarenWeaver2020/status/1654837633422327808

2.25pm – Are you volunteering or having a street party?

Today is day one of three of the Stray Ferret’s live coverage of the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Will you be volunteering as part of the Big Help Out? Or is your street holding a street party?

If so, let us know and we will try to come along or you can send us photos on the day and we will include them in our coverage. It’s easy – email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or DM us on Facebook.

2.14pm – ‘This is good for Knaresborough’

Our roving reporter Calvin is still out and about in Knaresborough. He just met Bob Godsell, of Knaresborough Lions, which is running the bar at today’s big event at Knaresborough House.

Bob said the Knaresborough House celebration was much needed:

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

1.54pm – Community Stars selling treats

Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, from Community Stars CIC, have done so much to revive access to facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

Today they have a bake and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said: “It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

1.36pm – Knaresborough House big screen

Hundreds of people are gathered at Knaresborough House to watch the newly coronated King Charles III procession down the Mall. Plenty of stalls are also on offer, including face painting, treats and crafts.

12.47pm – St Edward’s crown replica at Grantley Hall

The venue near Ripon has tweeted about its impressive floral creation.

To celebrate the #Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III & Queen Camilla, we have recreated the St Edward's Crown using flowers to commemorate the Coronation by celebrating His Majesty's passion for gardening. #KingCharlesIII #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/I2VRPLaroF

— Grantley Hall (@GrantleyHall_) May 6, 2023

12.40pm – Schools fly the flag

Many local primary schools had coronation themed events yesterday and have adorned their buildings in union flags. Here’s Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School’s fine effort.

12.15pm – Businesses show their colours

Businesses across the Harrogate district have also been decorating for this weekend.

11.40am – Betsy gets coronation ready

Even pets are getting in the coronation spirit.

Sue has shared this picture with us of her pug Betsy ready for the celebrations.

11.30am – Valley Gardens gets in the coronation spirit

People have flocked to Valley Gardens in Harrogate for the coronation today.

The gardens were full of rides, stalls and amusements as the celebrations got underway this morning.

A big screen was also in place next to the Sun Pavilion, where people gathered to watch the coronation ceremony get underway at 11am.

People took there sits decked in bunting, hats and flags while children ran around enjoying the rides and food stalls on display.

10.58am – Ripon Cathedral livestream gets underway

People have been taking their seats at Ripon Cathedral, to see the live streaming of the coronation service from Westminster Abbey. It is being viewed on strategically placed television screens. Among those in attendance were Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia.

10.10am – Harrogate and Knaresborough primed for coronation

Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have been decorated in coronation colours this week ahead of the weekend.

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is set to host a big screen today showing the ceremony.

Meanwhile, flowers have been put up in Knaresborough and a screen is set to be in place at Knaresborough House today as part of the celebrations.

10.05am – Flowers in place at Ripon Cathedral

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are in place at the ancient building to illustrate the stages of the coronation ceremony.

10am – Fountains Abbey to be lit up purple

Fountains Abbey near Ripon will be lit up purple this Sunday as part of the coronation celebrations.

Below is a sneak peek of how the abbey will look in the “Lighting Up The Nation” event.

The lighting up is not a public event.

9.54am – Lauren Doherty in attendance at Westminster Abbey

Knaresborough road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty is in attendance for today’s coronation ceremony in London.

She’s shared this picture on her social media as she heads to Westminster Abbey this morning.

9.47am – Ripon kicks off celebrations

Ripon kicked off the coronation celebrations in style last night.

Residents were rocking as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.

With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.

Read more here.

9.45am – Welcome to our coronation blog

Welcome to the Stray Ferret’s live blog for the coronation weekend.

We’ll be across the district reporting the celebrations as they happen.

If you’re still unsure about where to go to join in the fun of today’s proceedings, you can find out all the events on our coronation guide here.

Read more:

• Fireworks display for Ripon’s coronation celebrations
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation