How much Wigan Council spent on the King’s Coronation events

Independent news website openDemocracy asked all councils across the country how much they planned to spend on the coronation. The seven councils in Greater Manchester which responded said they had allocated a combined total of £126,821 for coronation events, according to the website.

The money went towards street parties, screenings and other public activities held over the bank holiday weekend, starting on May 6. Some local authorities in Greater Manchester also benefited from government grants for the events.

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Street performers were busy taking pictures with families all day (Image: Leigh Journal)

With coronation events planned outside Leigh Town Hall and Mesnes Park in Wigan, the council allocated up to £40,000 for coronation celebrations, including around £10,000 to help residents host their own street parties. However, the local authority says it cannot yet confirm the final amount spent in the end.

This is partly because one of the events planned in Wigan was cancelled due to a forecast of persistent and heavy rain. The Big Coronation Lunch at Leigh Town Hall went ahead in the sunshine on May 7, but the Mayor’s Coronation Party in the Park which was due to take place at Mesnes Park the following day was cancelled.

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Families gathered in the sunshine for the celebrations (Image: Leigh Journal)

A Wigan council spokesperson said: “This was the nation’s first coronation in 70 years with our efforts focussed on helping neighbourhoods and communities come together to celebrate and show civic pride.

“Following the success of our Platinum Jubilee events last year, the majority of the spend was allocated for our two free public events featuring local performances and traders with something for all the family, as part of our annual events schedule.”

There was many activities on offer for kids and families in Leigh (Image: Leigh Journal)

Salford and Stockport were the two Greater Manchester councils which said that no cash was set aside for coronation events. Bolton, Manchester and Trafford did not respond to the Freedom of Information request, according to openDemocracy.

Manchester council has since revealed that it spent £18,129 on coronation-related activities, while Oldham council set aside £52,000 was set aside for activities related to the coronation in the borough. However, the local authority now says its town centre event cost £38,664, but part of this was funded by a £17,500 grant from the government.

Rochdale council said it allocated £19,610.50 on coronation events, according to openDemocracy, while Bury council allocated £14,000 and Tameside £1,210.