The Coronation of King Charles III might have been held in London, but that didn’t stop Manchester from celebrating.
Mancunian Matters took to the streets of Manchester to see how people were marking the occasion.
Sophie Butler, an NHS worker from Greater Manchester, celebrated in the city centre with her 10-year-old daughter Sydney.
She said: “We love the royal family. I love the pageantry – it brings everyone together.
“It’s really important since the pandemic to get everyone together again, have something to look forward to and celebrate the future.
“King Charles is a modern-day King. He seems to really care about the environment and he seems really personable.”
Alex, who has lived in Manchester for six years but is originally from Ukraine, watched the Coronation with his girlfriend in Piccadilly Gardens.
He recalls the significance of the death of Elizabeth II last year – and has anticipated the crowning of the new monarch ever since.
He said: “It’s a once in a lifetime event. I’m getting to know the British culture and understand what’s important to people here.”
Others have travelled from all over the world to celebrate in Manchester.
Dee, from France, said: “I’m gonna spend the day around the city centre and celebrate it.
“I have mixed feelings towards the King but I’m really happy that he’s getting anointed, finally!”
But some people are disappointed by the low turnout at town centre celebrations, suggesting a lack of public support for the new King.
Alison and Lee from Manchester were looking forward to spending the day at Piccadilly Gardens with their young children.
They said: “We thought everyone would have their outfits on but no one’s out. We’ve got no flags in town, we’ve got no bunting around.
“If it was St Patrick’s Day it would be rammed to the hills. We’re hoping for a bit more but we’re here supporting.”
Their children, Lily and Charlie, said: “I like this King and Queen because they are trying to do their best for us, and trying to make the whole country a better place.”
