Let's celebrate historic Coronation Day together
Swansea is gearing up for Coronation celebrations this weekend with street parties and other colourful events to commemorate an history day.
More than 20 streets in Swansea have been given permission to close for traditional street parties. And there are events going on at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and libraries at Gorseinon, Llansamlet, Morriston and Central will also be open on Coronation Day for royal-themed craft events.
On Sunday night Swansea Council will be lighting-up Guildhall in purple as part of the UK-wide Lighting up the Nation event being staged at Windsor as part of the celebrations.
Cllr Mike Day, Lord Mayor of Swansea, said: "As Lord Mayor, on behalf of the people of Swansea, I have written to Buckingham Palace to offer congratulations to King Charles and the Queen Consort.
"Saturday will be a momentous event - the first Coronation in many people's lifetimes - and as a country, the UK is the best in the world when it comes to events of this kind.
"These photos show just some of the King's visits to Swansea over the years, and we thank him for his service during his 54 years as Prince of Wales."
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: "We recognise on occasions like this communities will want to come together, which is why we've waived usual road closure fees for street parties. Over 20 street parties and celebrations across the city will benefit from this over the Bank Holiday weekend."
In 1969, His Majesty visited Swansea twice following his investiture as Prince of Wales - once in July, to announce the Queen's intention to declare Swansea a city, and then in December to make the declaration.
In 2019, he again visited Swansea as part of celebrations to mark its 50th year as a city.
They're among several visits King Charles III has made to Swansea over the years.
The council's West Glamorgan Archive Service has also created an online exhibition available, telling the story of how proclamations and coronations have been locally celebrated over the years.
The exhibition at www.swansea.gov.uk/archivescoronations includes information on how the new sovereign is proclaimed.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and libraries at Gorseinon, Llansamlet, Morriston and Central will also be open on Coronation Day (May 6) for royal-themed craft events.
Oystermouth Castle is also laying a Coronation-themed Bank Holiday weekend. You can find out more here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastleevents
These events will follow-on from other Coronation-themed activities held in other Swansea libraries earlier this week.