Families and friends turn out for coronation events in Sunderland

A number of people from the Sunderland area were among those travelling to London for the service and events, including British Empire Medallists Dave Scrafton, Mahtab Morovat and Kim Sheers, who were invited to ancient ceremony at abbey.

However, thousands more are taking part in Sunderland in their own way throughout the weekend, with official events and community celebrations across the city.

Big screens showing the service were in place in Keel Square in Sunderland city centre - with a whole host of other activities organised by Sunderland City Council and Sunderland BID - as well as Hylton Castle, Rectory Park, Barnes Park, the Town Moor and The Galleries Shopping Centre in Washington, where activities are also taking place.

Hilary Buttigieg, 56, was among those at Keel Square.

Originally from the Sunderland, she now lives in Luton but returned for a visit and is excited to watch “a moment in history”.

“It’s a moment in history, the last time was with the Queen many years ago,” she said.

“I think we’ve got some people who are for it, some who are against it.

“Whether you’re pro-monarchy or not, it is a moment in history, this will go in the history books, you’ll remember where you were at that time. That’s why I thought it would be nice to come out to be with my community.

“At the end of the day he’s been in training for this all of his life and he’s now going to get his chance to be King.

“I think he’s going to be a modern person, I loved the Queen, I don’t think anyone’s got a bad thing to say about the Queen, she was brilliant, but I think he’s going to try and bring it into modern times.

“He’s done all of his work for The Prince’s Trust, he’s always been about climate change so I think that’ll be good, that’s a hot topic at the minute.”

READ MORE: 22 pictures from Coronation Day celebrations in Sunderland

Kath Stark, 67, from Washington - clad in a white T-shirt with a picture of the King and the Union flag - came with clients she supports who have learning difficulties.

“Watching the coronation, I just like history and have come to see the King crowned,” she said.

“It’s just a joyous day out for the customers, just everyone’s in a party mood, everyone’s happy so we’re going to stay quite a few hours of the weather holds.

“The history (of the coronation) is massive. I’m a royalist, I think they do very well for the country. I know not everybody thinks the same.

“The history, we’ve had them for over one thousand years, I just enjoy it.

“I enjoy watching things like this, like the jubilee, even the Queen’s funeral, the procession, nobody does it like we do.”

As St Edward’s Crown was placed on the King’s head, the crowd at Keel Square cheered, and there was a gentle patter of applause.

Victoria Mills, 45, is a housing support officer from South Shields and watched with friends from work and her children.

“(The coronation has) been brilliant, I’ve really enjoyed it,” she said.

Bringing a different twist to events were members of the African Caribbean Association North East in Sunderland, which received £10,000 in National Lottery funding to provide a celebratory event for the coronation and the 75^th anniversary of Windrush.

The project aims to strengthen community relationships, maintain the community hub and improve wellbeing.

The King’s Coronation element took place at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, with royal-related crown craft sessions and other activities, as well as traditional African and Caribbean food, music and dancing.

Events will continue throughout the weekend, with ‘Coronation Big Lunch’ communal meals and picnics of all sizes taking place today, Sunday and bank holiday Monday.

The Old Rectory in Houghton is among the venues welcoming people to join in, with the team’s event taking place on Sunday between 12pm and 4pm.

People are also being encourage to take part in volunteer work on Monday, as part of the ‘Big Help Out’ project.

Landmarks across Sunderland including Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire bridge, Hylton Castle, Keel Square and Fulwell Mill will also be lit red, white and blue this weekend to celebrate the coronation

Marion Dixon, assistant director of Regulatory Services at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s been brilliant to see so many communities coming together to celebrate and enjoy this historic occasion. I hope it’s been a very special and memorable day for everyone.”