THE CROWNING glory is in place for Rugby’s coronation celebrations with the unveiling of a new piece of public art.
The crown planter next to the statue of William Webb Ellis in Dunchurch Road has received a royal refresh to mark the King’s coronation, courtesy of a community project spearheaded by Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
Residents were invited to share memories of past royal celebrations, with the contributions inspiring the design created by artistic duo Liv and Lauren of Pickle Illustration.
The artwork celebrates the spirit of community inspired by royal milestones, from street parties to sharing a slice of cake and a cup of tea with neighbours.
Next week Rugby Art Gallery and Museum launches the Coronation Crown Trail, offering visitors the chance to explore the town centre in search of crowns.
A host of charities, clubs and community organisations have created unique crowns to mark the coronation, with each crown on display at a different town centre business.
Maps for the free Coronation Crown Trail can be picked up from Rugby Visitor Centre before visitors begin the quest to track down all the crowns.
The crown trail runs from next Friday (April 28) to Monday May 15.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum offers a right royal augmented reality (AR) adventure next week when the King’s Wardrobe rolls into town.
The free AR trail encourages visitors to explore the venue to find the QR codes which tell the story of Sir Lawrence the Lion’s dilemma in deciding what to wear for his coronation.
Once all ten QR codes have been found and scanned, visitors can download the children’s book which inspired the trail to discover how Sir Lawrence resolves his wardrobe worries.
The King’s Wardrobe opens on Tuesday (April 25) and closes on Saturday May 20.
The Art Gallery and Museum’s coronation celebrations also include workshops on Monday May 1, where visitors can create a mosaic crown tile out of clay.
Workshops run from 10am to 11am and 11.15am to 12.15pm. Places, priced £3 per child, can be booked at www.ragm.co.uk
Rugby’s community has been invited to come together in Caldecott Park on Saturday May 6 to watch the coronation of King Charles III on a giant screen.
The free event gives residents the chance to celebrate the coronation, bring a picnic and enjoy free children’s entertainment.
The King’s Coronation Celebration starts at 10am and closes at 5pm.
Tom Kittendorf, Rugby Borough Council’s chief officer for leisure and wellbeing, said: “The coronation offers communities the chance to come together in a spirit of celebration, from the Coronation Crown Trail in the town centre, to the picnic in the park where residents can watch the coronation service broadcast live from Westminster Abbey.
“We have focused on offering family-friendly events and activities to ensure Rugby can share the experience of the King’s coronation and celebrate the historic moment together.”
