Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
30
Jun 2023
Three times more street parties in Harrogate for Queen’s jubilee than King’s coronation
There were more than three times the number of street parties in the Harrogate district for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee than there were for the King’s Coronation, figures show.
Last June the country celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne and Harrogate was no exception with North Yorkshire Council revealing in a freedom of information request that 32 street parties took place over the long weekend.
From Patelely Bridge to Knaresborough and Harrogate, bunting-laden parties were held in almost every corner of the district.
Normally, the council asks for a fee to close a street but it decided to waive these costs to encourage festivities.
The same policy was in place for those wanting to celebrate the King’s Coronation last month when Charles III officially ascended to the throne following the death of his mother in September.
But this time, the number of street parties held across the former Harrogate district area was much lower with nine taking place, according to the council.
The figures also reveal that across the whole of North Yorkshire there were 116 street parties for the Queen’s Jubilee and 33 for the King’s Coronation.
Graham Smith, chief executive officer of the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic said the figures show that support is falling for the royal family in the county.
He said:
Read more:
- Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents
- Council still working towards sale of historic Ripon Spa Baths
During both weekends, the now abolished Harrogate Borough Council organised huge free parties in Harrogate.
Across four days last year it transformed part of the Stray into ‘Jubilee Square’, with a large stage and video screens broadcasting the Queen’s Birthday Parade and other royal events from London.
The Valley Gardens also hosted a free family festival organised by the council with jugglers, magicians, fairground rides, face painting and live music.
Similarly for the coronation, the council put on a three-day event in the Valley Gardens with family entertainment and coronation ceremony on a big screen live from Westminster Abbey.
0