Haslemere Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Haslemere Town Council have teamed up to re-create a modern version of the ‘archways’ built to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

Kim Scillitoe, of Curated Living Ltd, has brought her design flair in designing banners that will adorn the High Street and Wey Hill proclaiming ‘God Save The King’ to everyone travelling through and into Haslemere. 

John Lloyd, of Blue Dot Displays Ltd, has produced the banners bringing to life that proclamation for all to see in glorious Technicolor.

In an echo of the 1902 celebratory archways, Melissa King, of Marley Flowers Ltd, is dressing the banner poles in deep foliage, following the new King’s desire to promote the health of the environment and the green agenda.

This is also in keeping with Haslemere’s position as the gateway to the South Downs National Park and the wonderful surrounding countryside.

The ‘icing’ on the archways will be provided by Light Angels Ltd, with its bespoke 3D crowns designs that will sit on top of the banner poles and will be illuminated, providing an enhanced experience and further spreading the message that Haslemere is celebrating the coronation of King Charles in a spirit of optimism and joy.

Window dressing competition

The Royal Society of St George (Haslemere branch) has also launched a window dressing competition to celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III. 

The competition, which is open to all businesses in the High Street and Weyhill areas of Haslemere, aims to bring a festive atmosphere to the town and encourage local participation in the coronation celebrations.

There are four classes in the competition: best retail shop and best non-retail in both the High Street and Weyhill areas. A prize will be awarded for each class winner, and there will also be a separate prize for ‘The Best in Town’. 

The competition will run from April 29 until May 8, with judges inspecting both areas of the town during the week ending May 5.

Winners will be announced at the Haslemere Festival coronation tea party on Lion Green on May 8, following the parade through the town organised by the Haslemere Festival committee.

Judges include town mayor Jacquie Keen, Haslemere Chamber president Craig McGowan, and chairman and president of the Haslemere branch of the Royal Society of St George, Nick Hinchliffe and Shirley Hankers.

Martin Coakley, treasurer of the Royal Society of St George (Haslemere branch), said: “For the coronation we are organising the Haslemere town window dressing competition to encourage local participation in the celebrations.

“We hope the competition will bring a festive atmosphere to the town and showcase the creativity of local businesses.”

Other events to celebrate the coronation in Haslemere

In addition to the window dressing competition, the Haslemere Festival has planned a range of events in the town to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

On Saturday, May 6, Haslemere will be decorated with Commonwealth flags, and the Haslemere Chamber of Trade will be erecting a coronation arch at both ends of the town. Excelsis Choir will also be performing ‘music fit for a royal occasion’ in St Christopher’s Church at 7.30pm.

On Sunday, May 7, there will be a civic service in St Bartholomew’s Church at 11am, followed by residents being encouraged to organise their own street parties. 

One such party is planned for the War Memorial Recreation Ground.

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 8, there will be a carnival procession to Lion Green starting from High Lane at 1.30pm. 

The village fête on Lion Green will start from 2pm, featuring a funfair, hot food and festival bar. The winners of the window dressing competition will also be announced at the Lion Green event. Finally, the evening will end with a laser light show on Lion Green. 

See https://haslemerefestival.org.uk/ for more details.