St Helens Council spent £0 on coronation celebrations and here is why

Coronation fever is now behind us, after communities came together to mark the historic crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Saturday, May 6.

The coronation saw events and street parties taking place across the country, with some councils putting some of their budget towards funding events.

However, data shows that St Helens Council did not spend money on coronation celebrations, compared to those nearby such as £75,000 spent by Liverpool City Council, £14,532.19 by Warrington Borough Council and £40,000 by Wigan Council.

St Helens Council, which is facing considerable budget pressures, has explained that it did put on events in its libraries, allowed freed road closures for street parties and that a National Lottery grant scheme funding was used help communities fund their parties.

So why is that and how did St Helens celebrate?

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: “The Coronation of King Charles III was a historic occasion for the nation and one that didn’t go unnoticed in our borough.

“As the council strives to achieve a balanced budget in the wake of government cuts, we need to look at doing things differently, and so for His Majesty The King’s Coronation - with no additional funding in place from government - council services such as libraries and children’s centres were utilised to put on a number of well-attended free themed events for families to enjoy.

“On top of this, we offered free road closures, resulting in 18 community street parties – with National Lottery grant scheme funding set aside to help communities fund their parties which was shared widely with existing community and voluntary organisations.

“We recognise the positive impact events have on bringing people together and supporting the local economy.

"This was evident through the recent One Amazing Day extravaganza which attracted hundreds of people into St Helens Town Centre, with a number of businesses recording their best ever takings.

“As part of our year as the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture, we have a packed programme of family-friendly events taking place between now and the end of the year to celebrate the very best of the borough which residents are encouraged to come out and support.”

For a full list of events, visit culturesthelens.co.uk.