‘I don’t think you need a coronation to bring the community together – but if it does, that’s no bad thing’

Celebrating: Maria Herrera at Chats Palace. Photograph: Olivia Barber

A right royal celebration like no other was hosted by Chats Palace arts centre for King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday, with family-friendly activities put on by artists from the queer community.

Around 100 adults and children attended the Chats Palace’s Alternative Coronation Day celebrations on Saturday to mark the national ceremonial event in their own way.

It included DIY arts and crafts activities, puppet-making with writer and theatre-maker Amie Taylor, storytelling with Sab Samuel’s alter-ego, drag queen Aida H Dee, and a zine-making workshop delivered by Queer China UK.

Sab Samuel, who is the founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK, declared on the day: “Drag is royalty!”

Samuel explained: “It’s not about being anti-monarchy. People look up to royalty as a role model, but with this event we’re showing that there are many different role models in society.”

Will Prochaska, a Homerton resident, told the Citizen that his family were avoiding the coronation, but said that the alternative celebration “is great, it’s local, it’s creative, and alternative, which is fine by us.” 

“I don’t think you need a coronation to bring the community together but if it does, that’s no bad thing.”

Maria Herrera, who is from Mexico, and has been living in Hackney for several years, said royalty is not something she experienced growing up.

Herrera saw the Chats Palace coronation celebrations advertised in a newsletter, and decided to bring her son along. 

Whilst Herrera was sympathetic to the concept of an alternative, family-oriented coronation event, she said: “I think the royal family plays a distinct role in this country. There are some criticisms, but celebrations like the coronation are positive.”

Perdie Bargh and Ciara Fleming at Chats Palace. Photograph: Olivia Barber

Chats Palace received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to put on its alternative neighbourhood party.

The event’s organiser, Perdie Bargh, emphasised the importance of creating a safe space where everyone is welcome: “whatever shape or size your family comes in, this is a nice opportunity for people to come together ”.

Bargh said that thanks to the funding, they were able to price things at £2.50 or even offer them free of charge: “With the cost of living crisis, you want everything to be accessible.”

Commenting on the history of the place, Bargh explained that Chats Palace was home to Homerton Public Library until 1976.

She said it still benefits from a strong community around it and a “loyal local audience”.

Chats Palace aims to be an arts centre with “a civic role, empowering local people” .

Last June, they held a family day to celebrate Hackney’s Windrush legacy.

To find out what’s on in the next few weeks, visit Chats Palace.