Stand Up For Southport Blog by Andrew Brown
What a wonderful way to celebrate the Coronation!
Churchtown Village in Southport was incredibly busy for the King’s Feast on Sunday, with thousands of people coming to explore what was on offer throughout the day.
It was the biggest event held in Southport this weekend to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
Congratulations to the organisers, led by Dorothy Taylor, and the many local businesses and other organisations which took part. Thanks must also go to Barron Financial Solutions, Tax Gem and Specsavers for supporting this magnificent free festival.
Crowds enjoy the King’s Feast Coronation celebration in Churchtown Village in Southport. Photo by David Walshe
It wasn’t just a village event.There were people there yesterday from across Southport and many who travelled into the town to enjoy the fun.
The bars, restaurants and pubs were packed, both inside and out.
The stalls and street vendors had large queues outside as they battled to serve people quickly enough.
The shops did a roaring trade.
The sunshine was brilliant – very different to the incessant rain on Bank Holiday Monday!
Crowds enjoy the King’s Feast Coronation celebration in Churchtown Village in Southport. Photo by Claire Brown of Stand Up For Southport
An impressive sum of money was also raised for the chosen charity of the day, Southport Foodbank, with volunteers on hand from Compassion Acts, which operates the service.
Visitors could donate after finding King Charles III, Camilla, William and Kate next to the stage and grabbing a picture with the Royal Family.
There was lots for children to enjoy, such as the Coronation parade, dog shows, fairground rides, stalls, dance performances and more.
Crowds enjoy the King’s Feast Coronation celebration at The Bold Arms in Churchtown Village in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport
There was a fun Crown Jewel Hunt, with families invited to find the jewels hidden around the village and complete the crown to be in with a chance to win £250.
There were superb performances from the likes of BabyBallet, DBA School of Dance, Hayley Murray, Chris Wright Dance and Drama, Off Key Choir, NS Ballroom, and others.
As a one-day event, it was a huge success.
Crowds enjoy the King’s Feast Coronation celebration in Churchtown Village in Southport. Susannah Porter at Remedy. Photo by Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport
Longer-term, it was brilliant at showcasing just what Churchtown Village has to offer.
This isn’t the quaint, sleepy village of old; while Churchtown retains all of its historic charm, there has been an explosion in recent years of exciting new businesses opening such as DBA School Of Dance, Signature Bistro, Arthur’s, RS Fine Chocolate, Little Sparks, The Dram Gift Shop and others adding to the firm favourites already there.
More new businesses are on the way.
Crowds enjoy the King’s Feast Coronation celebration in Churchtown Village in Southport. Wild Roots. Photo by Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport
They are all different, and all have something unique to offer.
They are all local, independent businesses in an area where big chains are not present.
The King’s Feast was a great way to show off the very best of Churchtown Village.
Hopefully all the visitors from Sunday will be back very soon.
Dorothy Taylor, owner of Dorothy Mae salon and lead organiser of the King’s Feast in Churchtown Village. Photo by Andrew Btow Stand Up For Southport
Lead organiser Dorothy Taylor, owner of Dorothy Mae Salon on Botanic Road, said: “My main priority is the community and bringing local people together for a fun experience.
“Future events will always have that at the heart of their plan along with supporting the local businesses and chosen charity.
“We’ll be looking for local businesses that would like to sponsor the next event ‘Churchtown Christmas Fair’ on Sunday 26th November.
“I plan to start finding the next food vendors and stall holders for that event that bring something different and complementary to the village on the day.
“If they’d like to know more they can email me at churchtownvillageevents@gmail.com”
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