MP Column April 18: Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR MP: Alex Burghart

Written by Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar

Preparations are well under way across the UK for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey.

King Charles’ Coronation will be the first for almost 70 years - the last being for Elizabeth II in June 1953 - and the first held on a Saturday since Edward VII in 1902.

Buckingham Palace has indicated that the ceremony will combine the ancient and modern - saying it will be "rooted in longstanding traditions" but will also "reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future."

The Brentwood and Ongar constituency will be a mass of bunting and Union Jacks for the Coronation Bank Holiday weekend. I am looking forward to visiting as many of the celebrations in villages and town centres as possible over these days.

A highlight in Brentwood will be the Coronation Festival in the Park, organised by Brentwood Borough Council at King George’s Playing Fields, on Monday, May 8.

The brilliant musicians of the Imperial Youth Band and Brentwood School Big Band will lead a mass choir in joyful celebration.

Last week's column

• MP Column April 11: Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar

I am looking forward to the splendour and to marking this historic occasion which creates such a wonderful opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together to celebrate.

The Brentwood Gazette covers areas including but not limited to Billericay, Brentwood, Hutton, Shenfield and Wickford in Essex.

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