King's coronation: Crowds brave rain to watch on big screens

Large screens were placed in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, the Quomps in Christchurch and Baiter Park in Poole.

While the effort by BCP Council was blighted by the rain on Saturday morning, residents and visitors were still in good spirits as they watched events unfold.

Elloise Bond, 14 and from Bournemouth, Evie Trussler, 14 and from Poole and Linda Bazant, 66 from Petersfield, were among those in the Lower Gardens. They said they were big fans of the Royal Family.

“The importance of the coronation has brought us out, we’re proud to be British,” Elloise said.

Linda Bazant, Evie Trussler, Elloise Bond (Image: Hannah Knight)

Linda added: “If you think of everything going on in the world at the moment, every time you switch on the news, read the paper, it’s doom, gloom, despondency. It may be raining today but isn’t it nice to do something like this. I think we’re the only country that does it like this.”

“I don’t know if we’ll see it again, it’s not a regular thing but it’s obviously a very special thing for the country.”

Anna and Ashley Creed were visiting Bournemouth from Oxford with their two children when they found out about the public screening.

Ashley said: “It is great we can experience this as a family.

Anna and Ashley Creed with their two children (Image: Nathan Williams)

“It is great that our children can witness history from a young age. It’s so good we can watch history unfold as a family.”

The Cooper family were one of the firsts to arrive in the Lower Gardens on Saturday morning.

Jemma Cooper, 34, said: “We are the only ones here from 9am so we are at least showing our support.

“We have a party after with family from Birmingham. Watching the crowning is only the beginning of an amazing weekend.”

Jemma Cooper, Jasmine Cooper, Martin Cooper and Judith Thompson (Image: Nathan Williams)

Judith Thompson, 50, added: “We have had a great time showing our true British colours. We have made the best of the bad weather. We got drenched but it was worth it.”

Jasmine Cooper, 33, said: “I am just happy we can celebrate as a family, poor weather will always be outshone by having family around you.”

Sue Norman and Lynn Gibbs (Image: Catherine Clarke)

Parkstone residents Sue Norman, 69, and Lynn Gibbs, 70, said they usually commute to London for royal events but they "decided to do it differently" this year and watch in the Lower Gardens.

“I hope Charles will be happy,” Sue said. "William’s next.”

Circus performers Tiffany Aita, 30, and Nathan Auger, 27, paraded on stilts, saying they were "hopefully brightening up a rainy day".

Nathan Auger and Tiffany Aita (Image: Catherine Clarke)

Trevor Darby, 72, from Lyndhurst, New Forest, came to watch the big screen.

“Charles does a lot of good work, like his work experience with young people, architecture work and Greenpeace," he said. "He’s miles ahead of other people, but he’s now limited in what he can do as he’s now King.”

In Christchurch, the town council, with support from Christchurch BID and BCP Council, up to put on an event on the Quomps.

Christchurch Town Council town clerk James Sheehy said: “I’d liked to have seen a lot more people, but it’s the weather that’s holding it back. It’s a shame.

“But credit to the people that have turned up, they’re loving it. I appreciate the community spirit.”

Laura Johnson, 34 and from Christchurch was watching with her family under a gazebo. She said: “We weren’t going to come with the weather being like it is, but it’s a moment in history. It’s good for the kids to see, even if they don’t remember it.

“It’s been quite damp, hasn’t it? It doesn’t look so bad in London, but hopefully it will start to clear up here.”

Jason Brooks and Lewis Bamford (Image: Georgia Revell)

Lewis Bamford, from Winchester, said: “We could’ve watched it at the cathedral, but we thought we’d come down to the seaside for the atmosphere and big screen. It’s definitely something we won’t forget.”

Marie McMillan was watching with friend Elizabeth Wass. The pair were huddled under a gazebo in their paper crowns.

Elizabeth Wass and Marie McMillan (Image: Georgia Revell)

Marie said: “I think the rain has probably kept a lot of people away, but it’s living history.

"We came here for the Queen’s funeral, and that had an amazing atmosphere, so we were so pleased when we heard they’d be doing it again for the coronation.”

Jack Maidment, 29, said: “I don’t normally get involved with these things, and my family were definitely more into the Queen, but it’s been fun. It’s a real shame about the weather though. But a lot of food and drink will get us all through it.”