BASINGSTOKE residents are being invited to join the mayor in a celebration to mark the King's Coronation.

On Sunday, June 11, a civic service will be held by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr David Leeks, at St Michael's Chuch, in Church Square. 

The annual service is traditionally one of the first high-profile engagements of a new mayor.

This year it will celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, which took place on Saturday, May 6.

The service will also highlight the Mayor's theme for 2023-24, which is community volunteering. 

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Cllr Leeks said: “It would be wonderful to see as many people as possible at my civic service, which will give us the opportunity to celebrate the first Coronation for 70 years and to welcome the reign of King Charles III with music, prayer and reflection.

"It will also allow us to give thanks to the many volunteers who do such fantastic work to support our communities.”

The Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Steve McKay will take the service which will feature music from The Salvation Army Basingstoke Songsters, St Michael’s Church Choir and Tadley Singers.

The service starts at 3pm and there is no charge for entry.

Space in the church is limited, so the free tickets will have to be booked on a first-come basis. 

To ensure as many people as possible can get tickets, each booking has been limited to a maximum of six.

Anyone without access to the internet can call 01256 844844.

Proceeds from the retiring collection will go to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which this year is supporting Shopmobility Basingstoke, Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Citizens Advice Tadley.

The congregation is welcome to join the Mayor for refreshments following the service.

For more information and to book, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/civic-sunday or call 01256 844844.