Kings Charles III coronation: Northern Ireland gears up to celebrate an historic occasion that few have ever witnessed - the coronation of a monarch

In Northern Ireland, countless local events are being organised across the province, many of them organised by community groups, churches and the loyal orders.

And for those who are not braving the crowds to travel to London for the atmosphere, many will be planning to attend one of the live public screenings across the province.

The showcase will be at the King's residence in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle, where a lavish weekend of events have been meticulously planned.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the Coronation events on the big screen live from 10am, which will stand tall on the South Lawn, overlooked by the Castle.

Royal well wishers can choose their own viewing spot on the lawn - and play various lawn games before what will doubtless be an impressive Royal Gun Salute at noon.

The Downshire Brass Band will also be present to add to the celebration after the official Coronation ceremony, from 2.30pm.

Visitors can bring their own picnic to enjoy on the acres of gardens throughout the estate, enjoy lunch in the onsite café, or eat from a hot food vendor and ice cream stand on site.

Traditional lawn games can also be enjoyed throughout the Sunday celebration, which will also see a host of live entertainment.

On Bank Holiday Monday, the Castle’s Head Gardener will host tours about historic trees planted over the years to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and jubilee milestones.

(Pre Booking tickets is recommended for weekend visitors at www.hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-castle).

Other venues which are showing the coronation live on big screens on Saturday are;-

• Belfast City Hall

• Antrim Castle Gardens

• People's Park, Ballymena

• Town Hall, Bessbrook

• Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus

• Town Hall, Coleraine

• Town Park, Larne

• Market Square, Lisburn

• Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Newtownabbey

Countless local celebrations have been planned across NI over the Bank Holiday weekend. A small sample includes;-

• Carrickfergus artisan market at Market Place is running from 11-3pm on Saturday.

• The Big Community Paddle, Picnic and Volunteer Village will happen from 11-5pm on Monday at Enniskillen Castle.

• There will be a Coronation community service at St Patrick's Church, Ballymena at 3pm on Sunday.

• At Dungannon Presbyterian on Sunday, Francis Nolan MBE, HM Vice-Lord Lieutenant for County Tyrone, will hand out commemorative coins to children.

• First Donegore Presbyterian Church in County Antrim is partnering with Parkgate Community Association to hold a Family Fun Day on Monday from 1pm-4pm on Monday at the Church.

• Cregagh Presbyterian Church is holding a special service at 11.00am on Sunday, followed by the unveiling of a small commemorative stone seat in the church grounds.

• A City of Londonderry coronation parade will take place on Saturday at 8:30pm with a Banner parade in Coleraine at 7pm.

• Loyal orders will parade in Ballinamallard village in Fermanagh at 8:45am on Saturday and hear an address by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Ernest Fisher.

An ATM network estimates that over £1bn could be withdrawn from cash machines over the weekend. forecast, covering the period from Friday to Monday, was made by ATM network Link. Some predictions suggest the bill for Operation Golden Orb could come to £50-100m, with the cost of security likely to increase the figure further.

However, the coronation is expected to provide a £120m surge for UK pubs and it is predicted the hospitality sector could enjoy a £1bn windfall.

• Find coronation events near you;-

https://coronation.gov.uk/events/

https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/11839/celebrating-the-coronation

https://ulsterscotsagency.com/events/

https://www.facebook.com/goli.org.uk