Bayle residents and guests enjoy the festive day Photo: Ray Duff –
By Ray Duff – On Sunday hundreds flocked to the Coronation street party on Folkestone’s historic Bayle to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III.
The event was organized by the Bayle Residents Association joining the thousands of other such events across Britain on the day.
Mr Paul Fox, declares the event open Photo: Ray Duff –
The event, adjacent to the equally historic British Lion pub, was officially declared open by one of the Bayle’s oldest residents, Mr Paul Fox.
The British Lion landlord dressed for the occasion Photo: Ray Duff –
A steady supply of food and drink, alongside events such as Bell Ringing at the nearby St Mary & St Eanswythe Church together with a scots piper, singers and dancers, music from Folkestone Swing Jive, the Fortunettes music group and the obligatory raffle and a quiz.
A traditional style NAAFI van served throughout the day Photo: Ray Duff –
To round it off, the National Anthem was played by ‘Talika’ on the flute!
Many residents dressed up for the day in various versions of the Union flag and its colours and a ‘King for the Day’ competition was also held.
The well stocked food stalls were very popular Photo: Ray Duff –
Also attending were many guests of the residents including the Deputy Mayor of Folkestone Cllr Belinda Walker, local historians and archaeologists, some of whom had recently been involved with nearby excavations. Channel 4 News and BBC South EastToday News were there to report on the festivities.
Swing, Jive and other dancing in the street Photo: Ray Duff –
Coronation day itself, saw The Mayor of Folkestone Nicola Keen, one of the 14 ‘Barons on the Cinque Ports’ alongside Cllr Jim Martin, Mayor of Hythe, who is this years Chair of the group, alongside Cllr Paul Thomas, Mayor of New Romney and Cllr Martin Sweeney, Mayor of Lydd, as the Folkestone & District representatives.
Photos of the group can be viewed here: https://favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk/cinque-port-barons-attend-the-coronation/
Coronation Barons of the Cinque Ports: https://www.hythe-tc.gov.uk/coronation-barons-of-the-cinque-ports/
Photos of the group: https://favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk/cinque-port-barons-attend-the-coronation/
Bayle Residents Association: https://thebayle.org