IN spite of a drizzly start up to 900 people came together to watch the live screening of the Coronation at Powderham Castle today, Saturday.

The big screen showing of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla started a special weekend of events in aid of the British Red Cross.  

This will be followed by a screening of the Coronation Concert and a community party tomorrow, Sunday. 

There will also be local food, Pimms and cream teas, royal activities and entrance to Powderham Castle.  

The Dowager Countess of Devon said she was so excited to be celebrating the Coronation at her home, adding: 'My family has been associated with the Royal family for many generations and we are incredibly excited about this event.  

'We are supporting the British Red Cross, of which I have been a Vice President for many years. We are very proud to be raising money for the charity, which refuses to ignore people in crisis. 

'We are hoping that many people will join us at Powderham Castle,' she added, 'And we look forward to seeing you there.'

Tomorrow, Sunday, the concert screening and community party will be held from 5pm-11.30pm, while the grounds and castle will be open as normal from 10am-5pm.  

People are being asked to pay what they can afford for their entrance, with ticket prices starting from £1.  

All profits from the event will go to the British Red Cross to help them carry out their vital charity work, helping people to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters both in the UK and around the world. 

To find out more, visit the Powderham Castle website here.