As we approach May, we are gearing up for a day of national significance. I am of course talking about the Coronation of His Majesty The King.

Last year, we saw local people come out in force to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I’m hoping we’ll see something similar this year.

The celebrations take place from Saturday, 6 May through to the additional bank holiday Monday on 8 May and events and activities are happening throughout the country and the rest of the Commonwealth.

With the Coronation itself taking place on the Saturday, I will be sitting down to watch it all on the TV but I know some will be travelling up to London to try and take in the historical event in person.

If you are staying in Swindon for that weekend, there will be plenty of celebrations across the Borough, so keep an eye out.

However, if you cannot wait for someone else to organise something, why not go ahead yourself? We are making it as easy as possible for communities to host their own events and parties throughout the weekend.

This week, we’ve launched our Coronation webpages which includes information on how to apply for a road closure and a temporary event notice (which you’ll need if you’re looking to sell alcohol, provide live entertainment or serving and selling hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am).

The webpages also include information on the Coronation Big Lunch, taking place on Sunday, 7 May, which encourages communities to come together, celebrate their connections, and get to know each other better.

Information is also included on the Big Help Out. Inspired by His Majesty’s charity work, this event takes place on Monday, 8 May, and encourages people to try volunteering for themselves and joining charity work being taken in local communities.

It will be an eventful weekend and one that will live long in the memory.

The last time we had a Coronation was back in 1953 – something even I cannot remember! I’ll be sure to get involved where I can and soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible. I hope everyone else does too.

To find out more about the Coronation you can visit the Council’s webpages on www.swindon.gov.uk/KingsCoronation. There is also information about UK-wide events on the Government’s official Coronation webpage at www.coronation.gov.uk.