FOR those who weren’t put off by a spot of drizzle, Newton Abbot began its Coronation celebrations today, Saturday, as the town begins its weekend of family entertainment.

On the day of the Coronation Local favourite vintage band Hot House Combo created a really upbeat vibe in the town this morning. 

Eight-year-old Tommy Walton, a  Newton Abbot lad loved his coronation crown!

‘The queue is forming!’ warns Sally Henley, Newton Abbot Town Development Manager.

 From the morning until the afternoon, 9am to 3pm to be specific, revellers can enjoy live music in Courtenay Street from Hot House Combo and Cahoots on Saturday, May 6.

Elsewhere, families can enjoy free balloon modelling, all the while interacting with the several walkabout characters who will be wondering up and down.

It is the Sunday, May 7, which will see the return of the ‘Party in the Park’.

Courtenay Park is to host the event from 12pm until 4pm.

The family friendly event will feature much in the way of festive fun: live music; cocktail bar; magical bubbles and balloon modelling and much else besides.

Those looking to attend are encouraged to bring their own picnic.

And if Newton Abbot’s town centre is looking a lot more colourful this week, with most of the shop fronts decked out in red, white and blue, and photos of our new monarch in the windows, it’s mostly in response to a competition organised by the town council.

Sally adds: ‘I am pleased to say that the town council is holding a Coronation window competition.

‘Newton Abbot town centre has been a real centre of excellence in recent years for innovative and eye-catching window displays for key calendar dates and so there will be a certificate and small prize for the window judged to be the best. I shall be accompanying “Head Judge Carol” aka the mayor of Newton Abbot, on a walkabout through Newton Abbot Town centre on Friday,  May 5, when the judging will take place.

Let us now take a look at some of Newton Abbot’s neighbouring parishes and see what’s on.

Kingskerswell Parish Council have a right royal knees up planned that you do not want to miss.

From 11am people will be gathering at the Playing Fields off Manor Drive in the village for the day’s events.

There will be a sack race, three-legged race, egg and spoon race and other similar activities, stalls, tombola and a bouncy castle.

Also, the parish council have Maypole and Morris Dancers in attendance, as well as Torbay Radio Music.

HOW are you celebrating the Coronation? Please let us know and send us a picture of your celebrations to [email protected]