A special coronation bus to mark the crowning of King Charles lll has been unveiled by Stagecoach Cumbria.

The coronation bus is emblazoned in red, white and blue with celebratory union jack bunting and bears the coronation logo to commemorate King Charles lll’s ascension day on Saturday, May 6.

The bus unveiling in Carlisle was attended by Stagecoach’s two main painters; Stephen Temple, 53 and Stephen Douglas, 61 both from Morton, who along with paint shop labourer Mark Maddison, 48 from Botcherby spent an entire week painting the vehicle ready for its crowning moment. Between them, the three men boast a combined 86 years of service to Stagecoach.

The King has visited Cumbria on many occasions and is well known for his affinity with the county. He stopped off at Stagecoach’s Willowholme Stagecoach depot in the aftermath of Storm Desmond in 2015, when all three men had the privilege of meeting the King.

Stephen Douglas said, “Storm Desmond caused extensive damage to the depot. We lost the entire fleet of buses. 65 buses had to be scrapped due to damage.  The King, then Prince Charles, met all the team at the depot, and he was very nice.”

“He was really nice and down to earth. He genuinely cares for the country, its people and the environment.” Steven Temple said.

Rob Jones, managing director, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “The King’s Coronation next weekend will be a very special and significant event in our history and we’re delighted to mark the celebrations with this specially decorated Coronation bus.

“To have celebrated a platinum jubilee so closely followed by a coronation is a rare occurrence and for most Cumbrians, this is the first time they will have experienced a coronation, so we felt it was an important event to mark. 

“We hope the Coronation bus helps to spread a bit of extra joy and excitement in our local communities and we hope passengers enjoy travelling on our special bus”.

Coronation events across Cumbria and all within easy reach by bus.

There’s plenty going on across Cumbria to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

So here is a list of the celebrations happening across Cumbria, and all are accessible by bus – and for only £2 (for a single journey), thanks to the promotion Stagecoach is running until the end of June 2023, Coronation weekend doesn’t need to break the bank.

Carlisle

Bus service: Multiple services into Carlisle

Bus stop: West Tower Street

Head to Bitts Park near the Queen Victoria monument to watch the coronation on Saturday 6th May.  You can take a picnic or buy food and drink from stalls on the site. Screening of the build-up and the event is from 9am to 1pm. The tribe will be open too. 

On Sunday, May 7, there will be a screening of two family films and a live screening of the King’s Coronation Concert. This event starts at 4pm and is likely to end around 9.30pm. 

Workington

Bus service: 29, 30, 50, 51, 52, 300, X4, X5

Bus stop: Workington bus station

On Saturday 5th May from 9am to 1pm there is a screening of the build-up to the coronation and the event outside the leisure centre.  Bring a picnic as there will be no food concessions available (no alcohol allowed). On Sunday 7th May the King’s Coronation Concert will be screened between 7pm and 9.30pm.

There is a Picnic in the Park on Saturday 6th May from 11am – 5pm. Head to Vulcan Park to watch the coronation on a big screen, where there will also be local market stalls, crafts, funfair games and a crown parade. There will be some great stalls to keep you fed and watered and gifts for all the family.

Whitehaven

Bus service: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29 & 30

Bus stop: Whitehaven town centre

An exciting four-day international market event will arrive at Whitehaven Harbour to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.. Market Place will bring fine food, drinks, and crafts from across the world from Friday, May 5 to May 8 on Whitehaven’s Harbourside.

Whitehaven Archives are also having a tea party to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Friday, May 5 at 2pm. Free event, all welcome – Whitehaven Archives, Scotch Street.

Brampton

Bus service: 685 

Bus stop: Brampton town centre 

Brampton Community Centre is hosting a FREE coronation tea for over 65s on Sunday, May 7. Phone 016977 45023 to book your place.

Keswick

Bus service: 73, 77, 77A, 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5

Bus stop: Keswick Bus Station

Keswick Town Council invites you to a Picnic in the Park to celebrate the coronation on Saturday, May 6. Head to Fitz Park for a big screen experience from 10am – 5pm, where there will also be kids’ games. Food is available from Cafe West and HNW Cafe and there is a bar at the cricket club. Bring your own blanket to celebrate with family and friends. 

Barrow-in-Furness

Bus service: 1, 4, 6 & X6

Bus stop: Mardale Grove & Lorne Road (4) West View Road (1, 6 & X6)

Join the celebrations at the park bandstand for a FREE afternoon of music with a distinctly British flavour as we mark the Coronation of HM King Charles III, with music from  Dalton Town Band, joined by the South Lakes Rock School Choir. Why not bring a picnic and a bottle of fizz to ensure things go with a swing! Barrow Park, Saturday, May 6, from 2pm – 4pm.

Kendal

Bus service: Multiple services into Kendal

Bus stop: Kendal Bus Station

Come and join the celebrations for the King’s Coronation in Kendal on May 6. They will be celebrating the new King’s ascension to the throne with a day of festivities and activities, including music and food stalls. Witness the crowning of the new King and be part of the history of Kendal.

Castle Inn (Near Keswick)

Bus service: X4, 73 & 554

Bus stop: Castle Inn

The Castle Inn Hotel Bassenthwaite is hosting a weekend of garden parties, live screens, bottomless brunch and lawn games from 10.30am to 11pm on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, 7. Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite, CA124RG. Call 01768 776401 for more details.

Threlkeld (Nr Keswick)

Bus service: X4 X5

Bus stop: Threlkeld

The Coronation Fete at Threlkeld Cricket Ground is on Monday, May 8, from 12 noon to 4pm. There will be a BBQ, music, bar and colour run obstacle course for children and adults. They will also have a tombola, raffle, children’s lucky dip and pocket money games and a cake stall. All profits go to the Jubilee Play Area project.

Wigton

Bus service: 300, 400, 600, & 554

Bus stop: Wigton Town Centre

Wigton is marking the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with an evening event which will feature Piper Roland Lawson, Wigton’s town crier, John Martin, and Wigton Choral Society at the town’s beacon lighting ceremony. Light refreshments will be available following the event. Saturday, May 6, 7pm – 8pm.