THE sun shone and hundreds of people flocked to Wells Cathedral Green on Sunday, May 7, to enjoy the city’s Coronation celebrations.
There were good audiences for the live music acts, stall-holders were kept busy, and children had fun taking part in races and other activities.
The event, to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey the day before, was organised by Wells City Council in partnership with Wells Cathedral.
Wendy Ray, one of the people who helped with the organisation, said: “What a fantastic day. It was great to see so many people picnicking on the Cathedral Green, enjoying the variety of delicious food available, and children thoroughly enjoying themselves in the races, or having a go at the fun games such as splat the rat and the coconut shy.
“There was an amazing music programme of talented musicians to entertain everyone in the afternoon and the day finished in wonderful sunshine with The Blue School Folk Group and Wells Cathedral School Jazz Combo. A marvellous day of celebrations to remember.”
Wells Town Crier Len Sweales gave a special cry at the opening of the event, before handing over to Edgar Phillips who compered proceedings on the stage.
Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, said: “It was great to see so many residents and visitors enjoying themselves and having picnics on the Green.
“I want to express my thanks to the small group of volunteers who gave us tremendous help in putting on the event, these included Wendy, Claire, Chris, John, Mel, Edgar, Emily and Sue. I also want to thank Serious Stages and Chubb Bulleid respectively for their generous donations of the stage and power.”
A special Coronation Celebration service took place in Wells Cathedral earlier on May 7, with Coronation-themed music sung by the Cathedral Choir, and an address by Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend and biographer of King Charles.
As part of the Coronation celebrations there was also an art exhibition in the Cathedral Cloisters that attracted a lot of visitors.