An amazing 172 street party applications have been received for the Coronation across the borough, with businesses encouraged to build on this community spirit for the best decorated shop competition.
Businesses are encouraged to design a regal shops front display to help ensure the borough’s appearance matches the joyous national mood. Displays are encouraged in good time ahead of the Coronation to give residents time to nominate the borough’s best decorated shop by sending in their photos. The Mayor of Bromley will then announce the winner in a visit to the successful shop on Friday 5 May to kick off the Coronation bank holiday celebrations. The competition will open after the Easter holidays on 13 April with nominations to be made at www.bromley.gov.uk/Coronation.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “While I know many will be celebrating in their communities for the Coronation, this initiative will bring the festive spirit to our local high streets as well. I hope businesses will go all out to provide some marvellous shop front displays as they did for the Jubilee last year, which will further build on our BIDs plans to brighten our town centres for the occasion.”
£20,000 is being allocated to decorate the borough’s town centres over the celebratory period, which is being organised by the borough’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Last year for the Jubilee, over 250 submissions were received for 24 shops across the borough, which saw Designer Drapes in Penge named Bromley’s best decorated Jubilee shop.
Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety said “I am amazed, but not at all surprised, by the enthusiasm I am seeing from residents and community groups across the borough as they prepare street parties and further celebrations to enjoy the Coronation. I am proud of Bromley’s history of celebrating national occasions in force and I am certain that this May, this grand tradition will continue.”
As previously announced, the council has waived fees for street parties over the Coronation bank holiday and fees for events in Bromley parks are also waived. The deadline for street party applications has now passed.
Many welcome applications have been received to the community celebration fund, which is providing small grants of up to £500 to support community group celebrations, such as from businesses, residents’ associations and charities. Following significant interest in the fund, applications have now closed.
The Coronation will be screened in Bromley at Queens Gardens on Saturday 6 May, alongside a host of intergenerational activities. More details about this event are to be announced soon.
Stay up to date with the Coronation plans in Bromley at www.bromley.gov.uk/Coronation
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, public affairs officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk