THE country is preparing to party for the coronation of King Charles this weekend.

A host of organised events will be held across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Dorset and beyond.

The coronation of the king and queen consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.

On Sunday, May 7, the Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country.

In the evening, a special coronation concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios.

Then on Monday, May 8, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. 

Here's what's happening across the area. 

Saturday, May 6

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Residents can bring a picnic to one of the three locations where big screens are being installed.

The screens will be located in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, The Quomps in Christchurch; and Baiter Park in Poole.

The official coronation service at Westminster Abbey will be streamed live through the screens, with residents encouraged to bring chairs and a picnic and watch as the new king is crowned.

New Milton

New Milton will party at War Memorial Recreation Ground between 11am and 5pm. People are invited to dress in their favourite coronation-themed outfit and watch the ceremony on the big screen. Activities include a prosecco and gin bar, food stalls, sumo playtime and funfair. There will also be music.

Sunday, May 7

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 

Residents can bring a picnic to one of the three locations where the big screens are located as part of the coronation Big Lunch in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship, then later, enjoy the music on the big screens which will be showing the special coronation concert at Windsor Castle.

Ferndown 

A family fun day is being held at King George Playing V Field from 12pm until late. There will be entertainment, food, bar, a live band and more. A fireworks finale will round-off the festivities at 10pm.

Ringwood

A Gathering on the Green is being hosted by Ringwood Town Council at takes place at Bickerley Village Green between 12pm to 5pm. There will be live music, food and family entertainment. Entry is free.

Wimborne

The coronation concert will be streamed across big screens in Wimborne Square with tables set up for people to enjoy the Big Lunch. There will also be children’s entertainment, live music, trader stalls and a fair, continuing between 11am and 7pm.

Southbourne

The Friends of Fisherman’s Walk will be celebrating the king's coronation in style by
holding a community street party in Fisherman’s Walk from 12pm until 5pm. There will be live entertainment on The Bandstand. Refreshments available or bring your own picnic if you prefer.

Fordingbridge

The Coronation Big Picnic will be held at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground from 2.30pm with a re-dedication of the ground to commemorate 100 years of being given to the town. From 3pm there will be a beer tent, hog roast, barbecue, disco, live music, fairground rides and a sweet stall with people invited to bring their own picnic. The lighting of the town’s celebration beacon takes place at 6pm.

Lymington

A Coronation Parade and Picnic in the Park comes to Woodside Park from 11am to 4pm. There will be bands playing from 12pm, a coronation parade, children’s fun races, funfair, bottle tombola, charity and community stalls, pétanque and croquet and a dog show. People invited to wear red, white and blue and a crown/tiara. There will be a variety of food and drink on sale with people invited to take picnics. Entry is free.