King's Coronation: Bishop's Stortford plans weekend of celebrations for coronation of King Charles III

The town council and traders in Bishop's Stortford have joined forces to organise a weekend of celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III.

Sworder's Field and Market Square will be the focus for festivities to mark the historic occasion.

The coronation will take place on Saturday May 6. Although Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed the timings for the King's procession to Westminster Abbey and when the King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will be crowned, it is expected to be in the morning.

The town council has anticipated that most residents will watch the televised event at home or join family and friends in the pub, so its activities kick off at noon in Sworder's Field.

There will be face painting, Punch and Judy shows, balloon modelling, singing, dancing and games for youngsters. The family-friendly programme also includes music and a disco at the bandstand.

In addition, there will be a selection of street food vendors and a mobile bar offering lager, craft ales, gins, Pimm's, Prosecco and cider. The free event ends at 6pm.

For Sunday May 7, Bishop's Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) has organised street entertainers and performances in Market Square from noon until around 4pm. Confirmed to appear so far are Bishop's Stortford Ukulele Society, Bishop's Stortford Band and KBD Dance juniors.

The square will be festooned with balloons and banners, and the BID's marketing team will be distributing a guide and goodie bags from a gazebo.

To make the event pedestrian-friendly, it asked highways authority Hertfordshire County Council for a road closure order from Potter Street's junction with Church Street to Market Square, where circus performers and other colourful characters will entertain visitors.

The BID's board has agreed to spend almost £18,000 on the free festivities and plans to decorate North Street, South Street and Potter Street with large Union Jack flags. Subject to permission, they will be installed at the end of April and remain in place throughout the summer.

BID manager Gina Thomas said: "We'll also be providing additional bunting for town centre business to decorate their own premises as we aim to turn our town red, white and blue!"

Monday May 8 will be a bank holiday to celebrate the coronation.