Scenes from Stockport on coronation day

By Alasdair Perry

6th May 2023 | Local News

For some it was a day of festivities, but for others it was business as usual on King Charles' coronation day.

The focal point of celebrations in the town centre was around Market Place, where traders operated stalls both from within the market and outside, in what had been promised as a large screen event with lots to do for children.

The big screen, set up just outside the Angel Inn, was showing the coronation event as it happened.

Stockport Nub News spoke to some attendees. One resident said there had been a generally low turnout in front of the big screen, and that this was partly due to positioning; the screen was more detached from the rest of the traders.

Onlookers watch the coronation on Market Place (Image by Alasdair Perry)

"The platinum jubilee was much bigger", said one attendee; another suggested that most families were watching the event at home rather than outside.

Nonetheless, other residents spoke of peak periods around 10.30am and the crowning itself, and all had a positive reaction to the spectacle of the coronation.

Of particular note for one resident was the musicianship, and generally attendees enjoyed the ceremony, although most opted out of the oath of allegiance.

Elsewhere, it was business as usual, with the Merseyway shopping centre still attracting many shoppers.

Many residents will be enjoying street parties, with around 40 applications for closures and with many more parties due to go ahead across the borough.