The South West Heritage Trust is inviting residents to ‘Fly the Flag for King and County’ with events and activities to mark the King’s Coronation and Somerset Day.
Somerset Day is celebrated annually in May. It marks Alfred the Great’s call to arms and the gathering of ‘all the people of Somerset’ to march against the invading Viking army. This year’s celebrations are linked to, and follow on from, the Coronation of King Charles III.
On Friday 12 May visitors to Somerset Heritage Centre can see historic royal documents including a rhyming chronology of the Kings of England from William I to Henry VI and a letter featuring the signature of Elizabeth I. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their own royal items such as photographs, cards and orders of service and to share their memories of royal occasions. Booked behind-the-scenes tours of the strong rooms are also available.
At Avalon Archaeology, on Sunday 14 May, Somerset Day is being marked with reenactors from Draca Beorder and children’s activities exploring life in Saxon Somerset. Young visitors can strike an Alfred coin, follow the Alfred Art Trail, learn to write in the style of King Alfred and dress up like a Saxon for a selfie in the Longhall.
The Museum of Somerset will be open on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May as part of two days of royal celebrations taking place in the town. A giant screen is going up on Castle Green to show the Coronation live on Saturday and the Coronation Concert from Windsor Castle the following day. Families will be able to drop into the Museum to decorate a crown to wear whilst enjoying the festivities!
For more information visit swheritage.org.uk
Event dates & venues
- Tours, display and ‘show and tell’ at Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton TA2 6SF – Friday 12 May. Tours of the strongrooms are at 10.00 am. They are free but booking is required. The display of royal documents and ‘show and tell’ is open to drop in between 10.00 am and 12.30 pm.
- Saxon activities at Avalon Archaeology, Avalon Marshes Centre, Westhay BA6 9TT – Sunday 14 May, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Normal entry applies, adults £5.00/concessions and children £3.00
- Decorate a crown at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton TA1 4AA – Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May, 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Drop in, free entry with a small charge for activities.