With just under two weeks to go until His Majesty The King’s Coronation, over £480k of National Lottery funding has been awarded to 121 projects across Scotland so local communities can come together in celebration.
The funding, which ranges from grants of £300 up to £10,000, is supporting a range of activities across the weekend of 6th – 8th May, with an emphasis on events and activities that bring people together and have a positive and lasting impact on community engagement.
Thanks to an award of £875, Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre SCIO in Edinburgh will provide a celebratory afternoon event for people living in Oxgangs, Firrhill and Colinton Mains.
Oxgangs is one of seven Edinburgh projects to receive funding.
Dominic Heslop. Manager, Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, said: “This will be a great occasion for the community with a traditional street party, but with the added advantage of it being held in the garden and grounds of the Centre.
“Free food and drinks, live music, Highland dancing and of course the infamous bouncy castle!
“I know Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre will provide a great event for local people and in return local people will be supporting our valued Centre. I am sure the King will be proud.”
In Glasgow, Barmulloch Community Development Company Ltd (BCDC) receives an award of £10,000 to host a large Coronation event on Saturday 6 May.
Martin McElroy, Chief Executive of BCDC explained:” On the day of the Coronation there will be a funfair, afternoon tea, a Royal Pageant, live performances and much more. We want families to enjoy the event and create memories together without worrying about how much it would cost.
“We are also planning on organising the world’s first ever autistic friendly Coronation Party. Sometimes large public events can cause anxiety to families and children with autism, so our volunteers and local parents have created a dedicated space to make sure children with autism can participate in a safe and supported environment.
“All of our plans for the big day focus on bringing the whole community together, having fun, and celebrating an historic event. Forget about the formalities at Westminster Abbey, Barmulloch is where the real excitement is happening!”
In Aberdeenshire people will have the chance to attend a Coronation Community Picnic thanks to an award of £3,300 to Alvah and Forglen Community Council.
Barbara Foad, Secretary, Alvah and Forglen Community Council said: “The funding means we can host at the Jubilee Wood totally free of charge.
“A posh picnic in a box, wine to toast the King and live music are included. There will be seating undercover in our community pop up marquees in case of inclement weather. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the residents of our area together to make new friendships and help build a stronger community.”
In Dumfries & Galloway, A Heart For Duns will host a King’s Coronation Street Party in the town’s market square on Sunday 7 May after an award of £3,470.
Lucy Searcy, Trustee, A Heart For Duns, said: We are delighted to bring the community of Duns and District together for a big Community Lunch where friends, families and neighbours can come together to enjoy local food, celebrate together, and share experiences.
“There will be food, entertainment, space for dancing and a picnic area and it all starts from 10am through till mid-afternoon. We’re grateful for the National Lottery funding for making this event possible. “
Commenting on the range of funding awarded, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, these events and activities will help to promote community cohesion and engage people from different generations and cultures to get to know one another and share experiences.
“ By helping communities celebrate such a historic occasion, we hope to inspire a legacy of positive change that allows people to thrive together.”
National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. In the last 12 months we have given out nearly £600 million to 12,500 organisations reaching every local authority and constituency in the UK.
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