As King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey tonight, millions of Australians will be watching on TV … and perhaps raising a glass to the new Monarch.
While the coronation is unlikely to generate the same level of excitement that greeted the last such event in 1953, there will nonetheless be plenty of gatherings and events in Australia to mark the occasion.
In the Outback town of Quilpie, for example, local councillor Lyn Barnes, has helped to organise a bonfire and fireworks display at the Baldy Top red rock lookout just outside of town.
In other spots like Scone in NSW, which is currently celebrating its annual Horse Festival, the recognition is more subtle, with quirky displays (pictured) making a nod to the happenings on the other side of the world in London.
The NSW town of Scone is celebrating the coronation of King Charles III ... and its annual Horse Festival. PIC: Cizza
The them of this year’s horse festival is actually ‘Kings & Queens of the Stables’ a Royal connection coincidence not lost on organisers.
“I understand it’s pretty wet and miserable over in London,” Scone Horse Festival President, Andrew Cooper, told crowds at this morning’s sun-drenched main parade. “So, we’ve certainly got the best of the weather for the big day.”
There will also be a range of celebrations in bigger towns and cities across Australia.
Many significant buildings and monuments will be illuminated in Royal purple over the weekend, including Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Admiralty House in Sydney, Government House in Darwin, Story Bridge in Brisbane, Parliament House in Adelaide, Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Flinders Street Station in Melbourne and the Bell Tower in Perth.
Details of illuminated buildings or monuments in each state and Territory can be found on the Government’s website.
A National 21 Gun Salute by Australia’s Federation Guard will be held at 3pm on Sunday on the forecourt of Parliament House, Canberra. Weather permitting, the National Salute will be followed by a fly-past from the Royal Australian Air Force.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, will deliver an address of congratulations in Parliament when the House of Representatives returns in early May.
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