Maldon Festival to ‘extend’ King Charles III’s coronation celebrations with royal theme – locals urged to get involved

By Ben Shahrabi

24th Feb 2023 | Local News

The Maldon Festival will adopt a 'Coronation' theme for this year's event, set to run from June 23 to July 9, in celebration of King Charles III's coronation.

It will feature music and artwork that has been used to celebrate past coronations. Some of the musical pieces are expected to be heard at King Charles III's coronation ceremony on May 6.

Colin Baldy, Artistic Director of the Maldon Festival, said: "We look forward to extending the celebrations with some of the much-loved coronation music from the past, along with artwork inspired by King Charles' accession."

Festival organisers hope to make the most of the 'Coronation Big Help Out' initiative by inviting locals from in and around Maldon to volunteer to help with this year's event.

Artistic Director Colin Baldy leads a children's choir at a previous Maldon Festival.

Colin continued: "We are looking for volunteers to help organise the Festival, co-ordinating performers, setting up venues, welcoming audiences and helping with the marketing and publicity for the festival."

Along with other organisers, Colin has "great ambitions" to build this year's event up to pre-pandemic levels.

The team is currently waiting to hear if the Festival has been awarded funding from Essex County Council, to help build further outreach.

Colin says this will enable them to offer more performance and exhibition opportunities to young people from across Essex.

He added: "2023 will be an exciting time to volunteer with the Festival, offering the chance to meet new people and get involved in a vibrant music festival."

Those wishing to take part in running the Maldon Festival should contact Bobbi Davy (via email), or Colin Baldy (via email).