REDDITCH and Alcester are preparing to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort this weekend.

With street parties, festivals and lunches happening in the two counties across the bank holiday weekend, residents will be spoilt for choice deciding how to commemorate the historic event.

Running from Friday, May 5 until Sunday, May 7 a music and food festival hosted by Redditch BID will feature live entertainment, food and drink traders and arts and crafts.

The event will take place in Redditch town centre from 10am to 6pm around St Stephens Church.

On Sunday, May 7 Church Hill Big Local is co-hosting a Coronation Big Lunch with YMCA Worcestershire at Willow Trees Community Centre.

From midday to 4pm, residents can enjoy a selection of stalls, games including Splat the Rat, Hook a Duck and Coconut Shy, live music and food including hot dogs and hot pork sandwiches.

On Monday, May 8 Redditch Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Squash Club is hosting a coronation celebration where all families and friends are welcome.

From 11am to 4pm, people can enjoy a BBQ, cake sale and bouncy castle.

Over in Wythall, residents are being encouraged to bring lunch for a picnic in the park at Wythall Park on Silver Street.

There will also be a street market with local goods and products from 3pm followed by a disco from 5pm to 11pm and fireworks provided by Wythall Parish Council at 9pm.

Alcester Court Leet will be holding a street party from 11am to 6pm on Alcester High Street on Sunday, May 7 which will include rides, a parade and competitions.

St Nicholas’ Church on Alcester High Street is inviting people to watch the live-streamed coronation event on Saturday, May 6 between 10am and 2pm.

People can design a crown, paint a picture or colour a keepsake mug.

On Friday, May 5 at 4.30pm two benches will be unveiled on centenary Field to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Studley Stitchers have also been hard at work once again creating various post-box toppers in and around Studley to mark the upcoming coronation.