Newmarket will give locals and visitors the royal treatment on the weekend of the Coronation of Charles III. World-class racing, a fascinating exhibition, indulgent treats are just some of the ways you can celebrate the crowning of His Majesty in our historic town.

Royal Afternoon Tea at Bedford Lodge

Everything stops for Royal Afternoon Tea at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, 3-7 May. Take a seat in the elegant Squires Restaurant or on the terrace looking out at the glorious gardens. Sweet and savoury treats will include delicate finger sandwiches, scrumptious pastries and cakes, and, of course, scones with lashings of jam and cream. Make it a double date and book your place at the King’s Coronation Sunday Lunch, 7 May. Executive Head Chef Lee Cooper has created a special three-course menu to tempt you, with dishes such as green pea veloute with crème fraiche and nettle pesto, roast leg of lamb with wild garlic and mint sauce, and custard bun with ginger ice cream and strawberry jelly. Delicious!

QIPCO Guineas Festival

Coronation weekend goes under starter’s orders with the QIPCO Guineas Festival, 5-7 May. Three days of top-flight racing will see the crowning of the winners of the first two Classics of the season, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas. But the entertainment doesn’t just take place on the track. They’ll be hanging out the bunting on the big day with open-air screenings of the main event at Westminster Abbey, and there will be fun throughout the festival, with the ‘paparazzi’ on hand to snap your photo, puppet shows, a helter-skelter and more for the kids, plus DJs Cumminz and Edith Bowman getting the after-parties started. Buy your tickets here!

Coronation Celebrations on The Severals

The crowning of the new king will herald a great day out for all the family at the Coronation Celebrations on The Severals on 8 May. Go big in the Games Arena with ginormous versions of favourite games including Snakes & Ladders and Twister. Try to stay in the saddle on the 10-speed bucking bronco, Rodeo Horse. And marvel at the aerial acrobatics high above your head by the Space Wheel team. Mighty Macca, Light Left On and a tribute act to Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran will perform live on the Coronation Stage. Oh, and there will be funfair rides and attractions, and the chance for kids to make their very own crowns. Organised by Newmarket Town Council, this promises to be a day to remember!

Past Coronations at the National Horseracing Museum

Coronations of the past is the theme of a very special display that will be unveiled at the National Horseracing Museum on 5 May. The centrepieces will be the coronation robes of Lord and Lady Fermoy, the maternal grandparents of Diana, Princess of Wales, which were worn at the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They were designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, the legendary British fashion designer who also created the late Queen’s Coronation dress, who added his inimitable flair with the modern twist of scalloped edges. The museum will also lay out a family Coronation trail, Royally Good Fun, and if you’d like to volunteer at the museum for The Big Help Out head over to find out more on 8 May.

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